先日の「お琴体験」はアメリカ、ノースカロライナよりバンジョーを６０年もえんそうされている音楽好きな方が来られました。１５人のツアーで来られ自由時間は、それぞれに。奥様は陶芸に行かれているそうです。楽しい方でお箏も気に入られて色々なお話をさせて頂きました。今回、早くにご予約して下さり、わざわざお菓子までプレゼントして下さり本当に恐縮致します。いつか又、一緒に合奏出来たらいいなぁと思います。
When planning our recent trip to Japan, I thought it would be intriguing to take an introductory koto lesson. After some searching on the internet, I came across Soushanun and its remarkable teacher Harumi Shimazaki. I have a long background playing string instruments. This was helpful to a degree. But for me, the koto was unlike any instrument with which I am competent. The 80 minute lesson was more an introductory experience with some aspects of a lesson. Ms. Harumi, as she wishes to be called, gave an introduction and orientation. We then commenced playing. This involves sightreading what I would call Japanese tablature. There is no western musical notation involved. There are some guides to orient you to the strings both on the instrument and the tablature. But you have to do a lot of rapid learning.
For me this was an outstanding experience. I have not read all the reviews left by others. But participants consistently have given their lessons high marks. I agree. It was fascinating. I think some musical background with stringed instruments is helpful. You certainly need to be able to grasp the basic melody quickly. This is not an experience for someone with no sense of music who wants to dip into Japanese culture. Ms. Harumi is a patient encouraging teacher as well as a stunning performer. If I lived in Kyoto I believe I would take lessons from her. Alas, this is not the case. But I heartily encourage those with some musical talent to jump in without worry and enjoy the opportunity to learn.
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