Shamisen Camp is a perfect opportunity for a beginner student of shamisen to have an intensive, hands-on experience of this ancient Japanese stringed instrument. Camp, for up to 5 students, will take place in Louisville, Colorado, at the charming residence of Yoko Hiraoka.

Louisville is situated near Boulder, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, one hour from Denver International airport. The region is noted for it's clear blue winter skies, spectacular scenery and first class skiing and backpacking opportunities. Rocky Mountain National Park is only an hour away and there are good quality accomodations close by.

Students will stay at area hotels (we will advise) and be picked up each day and returned to their hotels at the end of each teaching session. Evenings are free. Lunch will be provided at Yoko-sensei's residence, which backs onto green-space, with mountain views.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:

Friday 9th December, 4-7pm

Saturday 10th December, 9am-4pm

Sunday 11th December, 9am-12pm

Students can take the airport shuttle back to DIA directly from our house if necessary. Lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday. Coffee and Japanese tea are available throughout the day.

THE CAMP

Shamisen to rent are available to all students who don't own their own instrument.

The intention is to provide a clear and fundamental grounding in all the aspects of tuning, holding, and playing techniques as well as an introduction to the classical Japanese repertoire dating from the Edo period onwards.

All students participate in ensemble playing (including total beginners) and the group energy is a tremendous springboard for all players at any level.

Students leave camp with the training and resources to allow them to continue their studies independantly, until they can get together with a teacher again.

At the beginner level, students will be introduced to the following aspects of Shamisen performance:

*Describing the components of Shamisen

*Holding the Shamisen and Bachi correctly

*Basic tunings

*Basic Shamisen techniques

*History of the instrument and its music genres

*Caring for the Shamisen and string replacement

*Japanese traditional music compositions

*Beginning vocal

Students will leave the workshop with resources to enable them to continue independent study. Later camps will build on this secure foundation.

Complete Shamisen instrument includes:

Shamisen , Bachi with bachi-saya, Koma,Ito, Neo, Dokake, Dokake-gomu, Hiza-gomu, Yubisuri, Tenjin cover. For those students who want to buy an instrument, we can advise and order on their behalf.

Instruments are available to rent for the duration of the camp at $10.00 per day.

To inquire about workshops contact:

     David Sawyer

     (303) 666-5581

    david@japanshakuhachi.com