After the last post in March, things changed a wee bit with life and I took a much needed break from flute playing. Life can throw curve balls at one so the best way to deal with that requires adjustments and decisions. The flutes took a rest in their cases for almost two months and my focus went towards my mother and her cancer situation as well as genealogy and running. Admittedly, I have WAY too many interests that I try to devote time to and they need to be whittled down to a manageable number. But really, is that necessary? No, not at all. My focus simply needs to be on whatever I like at that moment. Having so many interests merely makes me a Seumas of all trades and master of none! Therefore, from now through the end of June, my dedicated focus will be shakuhachi, genealogy and Buddhist philosophy as well as running. And mum, of course. :-)
Shakuhachi wise, my task at hand is getting back to breathing exercises and maintaining a long Ro or Tsu pattern of at least 30 seconds with consistency as I have had some issues lately. My style and embouchure has changed a bit due to the growth of facial hair on my lip. Last month I mentioned how the look I enjoyed was causing some issues with sound production and embouchure obtain-ability. After some determined practice and experimentation, I found that I could indeed play with said hirsuteness and still maintain control. Granted, the level of sound volume and strength is not there as without the patch under my lip, but I shall work with this and see where it takes me. After all, many player including my former teacher, Larry Tyrrell have beards and facial hair in that area without issues. I just need to PRACTICE!
Music wise, my need to learn more songs and pieces is essential. I'm sad to be so horrible at this with only three small songs completed in all this time. I can improvise well, though , and therefore it has not been a waste of time. Larry's "The Alder Bough" and Koga's Shakuhachi manual will be ALL I delve into until I find I can move on further. Yes, as mentioned last year, "Tamuke" will still be the ultimate piece for me to learn. Still have my sights set on that!
Now....FOCUS!!! Do not let distractions sway me into doing other things. if is is shakuhachi related, that is fine to some degree. I still need to read the new book purchased in February: >>>>>>>>>
This I promise to do by the mid part of May and will report on soon. So many books, so little time!!
Now off I go to practice, read and stay away from electronic devices as much as I can without going insane!!
