Private Shamisen lessons?

Hello everyone!

I’m currently looking for a Tsugaru shamisen teacher and wanted to see if anyone here has recommendations or is accepting students. I’m open to both online and in-person lessons, though for in-person I’m specifically looking in the NYC / Westchester area.

I’m still fairly new to shamisen and would love to develop a solid foundation with proper technique and style. I’ve spent time reading books and watching videos online, but I’ve realized that only gets me so far and I would really benefit from proper instruction and feedback from a teacher. I’m especially interested in traditional Tsugaru playing and would love guidance on bachi technique, rhythm, repertoire, and overall musicality.

I know Tsugaru shamisen teachers are pretty few and far between in the US, but I’d really love to find someone to learn from. A lot of people I’ve spoken with always point me toward Kyle, but I also know he’s probably incredibly busy. :rofl:

If you teach, know someone who does, or have recommendations from personal experience, I’d really appreciate it! Thank you so much. :folded_hands:

Su Bunjamin, owner of the ShamiShop, teaches online.
You can inquire via the contact form on the Bachido website.

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I’m quite a beginner; only been playing for 2-3 years now; still working on fundamentals myself for sure. But, if your interested, I live in the Catskill mountains near Walker Valley. I’m happy to offer whatever incredibly novice teachings I can muster, or just time to play and learn together in general. I live at a Buddhist Monastery, so feel free to come up on almost any Thursday or Sunday and you can get a shamisen friend and some mindfulness practice tips which I’ve found are also helpful for Shamisen playing.
DM me if your interested or check out Bluecliffmonastery.org for where I live.

Good Luck!

-Brother One Peace

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