Workshop Details
About the Workshop
In Japan, the Shakuhachi, a unique bamboo flute deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism, transcends its role as a mere musical instrument. It serves as a powerful tool for meditation. During the Edo period, the Komuso monks embraced the shakuhachi, making it an integral part of their spiritual practice by playing ancient solo pieces known as Koten-Honkyoku.
In parallel, the Guqin in China has long been a symbol of intellectualism, closely associated with scholars and the literati. Traditionally played in scholarly settings, it has been a vessel for meditation and reflection, fostering a deep connection with one’s inner thoughts.
Join us at the Global Music Academy for two parallel workshops: one on the Shakuhachi led by Katsuya Nonaka and another on the Guqin guided by Linchi Yang. Everyone is welcome, regardless of experience!
Shakuhachi Workshop Schedule
- Welcome & Introduction (30 mins)
Kick off the session by meeting fellow participants and getting acquainted with the shakuhachi’s unique sound and its harmonious connection with nature. - Learning Piece 1 – Hands-On (45 mins)
Jump right in! Engage in hands-on practice and learn your first piece, immersing yourself in the music. - Break (15 mins)
Take a moment to refresh, relax, and connect with fellow participants. - Cultural Insights (30 mins)
Delve into the rich history of the shakuhachi, exploring its ties to Zen Buddhism and its cultural significance throughout the ages. - Refine Practice (45 mins)
Return to your piece and refine your skills, focusing on adding expression and depth to your performance. - Wrap-Up (15 mins)
Share your progress, ask questions, and reflect on the day’s enlightening practice.
Guqin Workshop Schedule:
- Welcome & Introduction (30 minutes)
Explore the history of the Guqin, its cultural significance, and its role in the aesthetics and lives of scholars. This session will also cover the unique musical notation used for the Guqin. - Audience Practice Session (1): Basic Knowledge of the Guqin and Its Structure (40 minutes)
An overview of the Guqin’s structure, including an introduction to its three types of sounds—“Heaven,” “Earth,” and “Human”—and their symbolic meanings. - Break (15 mins)
Take a moment to refresh, relax, and connect with fellow participants. - The Connection Between the Guqin and Chinese Religions (30 minutes)
The Guqin and Taoism/Buddhism:
Explore the relationship between the Guqin, meditation, and spiritual practices in Buddhism and Taoism. This session will include demonstrations of Guqin pieces that embody Buddhist and Taoist philosophies. - Audience Practice Session (2): Learning a Short Piece (40 minutes)
A presentation of a Guqin piece, followed by a practice session for the audience. - Wrap-Up (25 mins)
Share your progress, ask questions, and reflect on the day’s enlightening practice.
Live Performance after the workshop
Following the workshops, the two instruments will be showcased in a 1.5-hour performance that is open to all.
Please come, listen and enjoy the music.