Shamisen master of kabuki music · Shimokitazawa, Tokyo
A private 90-minute lesson in Shimokitazawa with a certified shamisen master who specialises in kabuki music. Pick it if you want to hear the sound of the kabuki stage up close, and leave able to play a little of it.
At kabuki the music is live, and the shamisen, a three-stringed lute played with a large plectrum, carries much of it. The shamisen reached Japan from the Ryukyu Islands in the mid-16th century, and nagauta, sung to shamisen, became the main lyrical music of kabuki, per Britannica. This lesson puts one in your hands. It is a private beginner session of 90 minutes with a certified master of kabuki shamisen, for up to 2 people on the booking page, and no musical background is needed.
It starts with a live demonstration of kabuki shamisen music, so you hear the instrument up close, and a short talk on how it became part of Japan's stage arts. Then you play. Step by step you learn to hold the shamisen and use the bachi, the plectrum, and work up to the folk melody Sakura. Once that sits, you try a short phrase from real kabuki music. The teacher films you playing at the end, and the video is yours.
The shamisen, bachi and all equipment are provided, per the listing. You meet at Shimokitazawa Station in Setagaya, a quick ride from Shinjuku or Shibuya. The guest review names the teacher as Tokuryu. A practical idea: book the lesson in the days before a night at Kabuki-za, and listen for the shamisen players when the curtain opens.
Meet your teacher at Shimokitazawa Station, Kitazawa 2-24-2, Setagaya.
A live demonstration of kabuki shamisen music, and how the instrument joined Japan's performing arts.
Step-by-step guidance on posture, holding the instrument and striking with the plectrum.
Play the melody Sakura, then try a short phrase from kabuki music.
Your teacher records you playing, a keepsake to share.
★★★★★Tokuryu was so nice, patient and so talented. She’s a true Shamisen Master and she will teach you her art with all her heart. It was wonderful [...] Thank you Tokuryu for your kindness and your patience.
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No. The listing says it is designed for complete beginners, with step-by-step guidance and all instruments provided.
First the Japanese melody Sakura, then a short phrase from kabuki music, after a live demonstration by the master.
It is a private lesson, set up for up to 2 people on the booking page.
The meeting point is Shimokitazawa Station in Setagaya, Tokyo. The lesson lasts 90 minutes.
Ready to book
Play the shamisen of the kabuki stage with a master, and take home a video.
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