A new piece and the World Shakuhachi Festival

                  Musical adventures can be so much fun yet sometimes be as frustrating. Last month was just that for me as what was continuing as a delightful path for my own learning abruptly changed with my going back to self study and research. My teacher and I have parted ways due to not being the right match, and that is OK!  Not everyone is a good match for such dynamics and finding the right one continues.

In the meantime, something else presented itself that same week: winning a scholarship to the World Shakuhachi Festival in Texas this April! One thing I never expected, and that was being chosen for this delightful privilege of attending and learning of my favourite instrument! 

 As I peruse the site for this event , my excitement grows in what will be on tap. Workshops, concerts, open mic options as well as meeting so many players and friends! I'm afraid I might be quite the fanboy while there, relishing the opportunity to be around the amazing people and friends I've listened to and chatted with for many years! Some of these incredible players are who inspired me to learn and embrace the shakuhachi!

 In the meantime I have been contemplating which shakuhachi piece I want to learn next. While I have been learning Sanya Sugagaki since December, I honestly am not all that in love with it. It is not a bad piece, not at all . It simply doesn't call to me as one of the compositions I want to learn right now. Also...it is not a real easy piece to learn. So I have looked over what calls to me and will choose soon. Now, I need to practice!!!  🙏

Link to the WSF site!!

https://wsf2025.com/