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"If I could only attend one shakuhachi event in the year, this is the one I would choose. Small teacher/student ratios mean more individual attention for everyone, including rank beginners. It means leaving the Camp with enough material, information, instruction, stimulation and guidance to fill one's practice until next year, regardless of one's level of skill and musical/spiritual interests." Riley Lee (Australia)

Great teachers, wonderful intense dose of shakuhachi in a beautiful setting. I can't imagine it not being a valuable experience for any shakuhachi player, from beginner to expert. -Phil James, Portland, Maine

"A truly inspiring event, the intensity of the camp pushed my level of ability to improve more in those few days then in the 2 years since I began playing, and made a remarkable difference on how I continue to learn." -Jason Sanche, Calgary, Alberta

"I awoke with a start anticipating the 50 things I had to get done and the 50 I wouldn't be able to get to... then I looked around and heard the plaintive strains of someone with a bamboo tube trying to imitate a deer, and realized where I was, which if you have any inclination towards bamboo tubes is the only place to be in late June - Camp ! This is a place where those lucky enough to have an obsession like shakuhachi, that doesn't hurt your liver or cost you your life savings (well... at least you get something incredible for it !) can indulge in a way that's hard to describe, but is likely to take you far from the incessant chatter. Maybe it's the mountain air, the constant contact with other players and expert teachers, or something strange in the water - whatever it is, the result has been an experience that stays with me long after camp; and this effect seems to have no relationship to length of time playing for me or anyone else I've talked to. This has got to be one of the best times and places to experience the essential elements of shakuhachi in a lasting way, e.g. timeless lessons like that conveyed by master Yogi Berra “Ninety percent of shakuhachi is half mental'.” -Karl Young, California

"There is nothing like a week-long intensive with fine teachers to encourage and inspire shakuhachi students, even rank beginners like me. The real payoff comes after you get home and realize just how much you learned!" -Shirley Embra, Victoria, B.C. 

Beyond the lessons themselves, it was really special to have an extended period of time in a small group setting with these wonderful teachers to just hang out and get to know them as individuals." -Brad Klafehn, Denver, Colorado 

"Of the many Japanese traditional performing arts, none has a stronger presence outside of Japan than the shakuhachi. While many people may know about and enjoy watching Sumo wrestling and Kabuki drama, in actual popularity of practice, nothing comes close to the shakuhachi. Performing and teaching classes and individiuals outside of Japan allows me to rediscover the wonders of this instrument that make it so attractive. I encourage all Japanese players and lovers of the shakuhachi to join me in this international celebration of this instrument and its music." Kaoru Kakizakai (Japan)

"The enthusiasm generated at camp, with patient, caring teachers and supportive fellow students, has inspired me to begin serious study of the shakuhachi. A wealth of interesting, beautiful music was presented in a manner that has allowed me to continue learning effectively at home." -Cindy Schlagel, Longmont, Colorado

"As I have said to many of the camp participants, the student recital at camp has been the highlight of my year for the past three years. It is really an honor to be allowed to watch or listen to these songs being played with such purity of heart and mind. Actually, last year, I felt that I was trespassing into everyone's personal space and decided to listen and not look at each person. As if watching monks chanting: it's not a performance! (Although some of the westerners I went to Japan to make a shakuhachi video with last year approached them that way: "oh, look at the monks chanting, how exotic!") I would prosper by watching each person as one can actually see the the mind's grasp on itself as each player concentrates and the heart flows out. I am shocked more and more by this phenomenon: to be able to "see' the inner self in action. I am rejuvenated and invigored every year. There is something retained by the pure desire of the amateur shakuhachi player which I feel is a challenge for the professional player/teacher to retain. This is best explained in Japanese shakuhachi lingo by a well known saying "shoshin no kokoro wo wasure bekarazu", or "don't lose the beginner's mind". This is often seen written in nice calligraphy hanging on the wall in a shakuhachi "Dojo". It's also often misinterpreted as it's really hanging there for the teacher's benefit! It is also a highlight of my year to be working with some really great teachers! I hope you all can find time in your schedules for us to join together in such a beautiful and positive activity as this camp is. I think it's the best thing we can do in light of the world's situation today and always: that is, to keep your priorities intact, and do what you always do, only with renewed dedication. Shakuhachi teaches us that we're all a part of each other and of the world. Our camp is evidence of this awareness and of how we value this. I look forward to camp again and hope we can continue to make it grow and develop." Michael Chikuzen Gould (USA)

"Every year I look forward to Shakuhachi Summer Camp for a variety of reasons. First, of course, is that I know I'll come home a better player than I was when I got there. That's a given; for four solid days you're immersed in shakuhachi playing, learning from some of the world's foremost virtuosos at group workshops, one-on-one lessons, and concerts. You get exposed to a wide variety of shakuhachi music, old and new (there are always a few surprises!). The instructors are all extremely generous with their time and knowledge and are very patient with those who are just beginners. You can't help but come home inspired!  I also enjoy being at Sunrise Ranch.  The surrounding countryside is beautiful and a wonderful place for hiking. I can't imagine a better facility for an event. (And the food's great, too!) Most of all, though, I appreciate the sense of community at the Camp; being able to share our passion for the shakuhachi and its music. Often the discussions can go on long into the night. I wouldn't miss it."  - Elliot Kallen. Santa Rosa, CA

Home l About Camp l Faculty l Accomodations l Travel l Registration l The Masters' Concert l Testimonials l Contact