Here is my shot at Tsugaru Jinku, even though a bit rushed.
Hows the quality? Any comments?
its exciting to upload my first youtube video ^^
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ofrCR_QmQA&feature=channel_video_title
I can’t comment on the playing b/c I don’t have any experience (it sounded great though!), but as far as the camera work goes perhaps a tripod or just placing it on a steady object instead of someone holding it would be better. As someone with a minor background as a cameraman, I feel like having something steady for the camera would be best since you are just sitting there playing throughout the whole video. Nothing bad with he or she holding it, but I think a tripod is ideal for you.
Also about the sound. If you are going to continue doing outdoor videos, make sure you take the weather into account. Looking at the trees behind you, it seemed like there was no wind, which is ideal for someone with no mike (which I assume you don’t). But not only is it ideal, it’s pretty much the ONLY time you should record outside for something like playing an instrument. This is because if there is any wind, the mike on the video camera will pick it up and take away from the sound of what you actually want the audience to hear.
Solid first video man, well done. Hope this helps! 
Looks really good! I’m pretty impressed. ( I’m a beginner too, so cannot comment too much i guess…) How often do you have lesson with Mike Penny? You must be having lots of practice at home too , yeah, you are really good!
I have lessons with mike once a week… but I usually end up having to make changes in our schedule and sometimes I miss some 
So its like 3 times a month… I’ve been playing for about 6 months
hey well done mate that sounds really good!
is that the tsugaru shamisen with the synthetic skin?
I actually don’t know… how can I tell?
I can’t think of a way for u to be able to tell without breaking it 
, either way it sounds good! may it forever be a mystery! was just wondering because i wanted to know what a synthetic one sounded like
Sounds really good Stev!
There’s a minyo Izakaya (bar) in Asakusa, Japan. If you go there and find out you play shamisen, they will call you up on stage. If you ever go, choose to do Jinku Bushi, because they will sing, dance and play along with you. It’s a really fun experience.
Skin:
If the skin is completely smooth, it’s a synthetic skin. Natural dog skin has pores. Also, on one corner, the skin is partially transparent and darker color. Plastic skin is uniformly white.
Ok I have dog skin then. My skin has pores all over it – haha I actually thought the pores were a sign of shamisen breaking… I guess not
and I wannna go to japan. my uncle is japanese and he has never been to japan. So its hard for me to get there 
I guess there is a way
Hey, there’s a good opportunity for a family trip!
One day… when I get good enough. I will play shamisen in Japan I will practice harder! right now i am still an amateur but no worries! I turned 17 like 3 months ago so I have a lot of time :DD I already know how to play many songs
Hey, there’s a good opportunity for a family trip!
yeah my parents were considering. but they would probably only want to go to tokyo and nowhere else
Oh, you are definitely good enough to play there. They are very welcoming of anyone playing a Japanese instrument.
Oh, Asakusa is actually in Tokyo. Just like Shinjuku, Shibuya and such (I got sooo confused by that stuff until I actually went there. Then it all made sense)
cool hehe i need to arrange a trip. Going to japan with friends would also be very fun
There are so many nice places in Japan other than Tokyo - well, I’m a country girl, so Tokyo would be the last place I will visit if i go… But, yeah, maybe cool to visit some shamisent shops and stuff? There will be heaps I imagine. If you don’t have time to go anywhere further, even just looking around Tokyo area ( within Kanto area )will be nice. Lots of nice temples, beaches, depending what you are wanting
I want to go Aomori soo bad
Hey Stev,
I like your video! You sound really good! I still need to put up a vid, but my camera distorts the sound quality really bad, so I need to get a higher quality camcorder before I can record anything. Your’s sounded great though, I really like your shamisen’s tone!
Btw, I envy where you live. California always has the best weather! We’ve had 11 consecutive days in the triple-digits with insanely high humidity… 
And the awesome view in the background is a plus too, lol.
Thanks ! California does have great weather. And i have a great view ^^ Its my backyard