Hey everyone, quick question.
I have Rokudan for Jiuta as well as Tsugaru, and I was curious as to why they sound SO different.
The Jiuta sounds more or less like the koto: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sahd3fzCdZg&feature=related
However, the tsugaru version I just can’t seem to make match up at all.
Any suggestions?
Haha! I had first learned Rokudan as the jiuta version (as I was practicing shakuhachi a lot back then). I too was perplexed when I heard the tsugaru version. 
Rokudan simply means six steps (六段). Since there are six parts in both versions, maybe that’s the only connection between the two pieces? Just a guess.
My understanding is that the original rokudan was written in the 17th century for the koto. The jiuta version was specifically written to accompany the koto so that is why they sound similar. For other versions I think Kyle is right and they are not related.
Thank you,
AND HI MICHAEL, I HAVEN’T SEEN YOU IN FOREVER.
Oh, you two know each other personally?
We actually had the same teacher before I moved up to Berkeley. He is a swag man.
No kidding! Small world. 
Michael is quite impressive, with his pro-level bachi making and shamisen knowledge. Of course, he would be even cooler if he finally put up a profile picture, but I won’t nag.
Hey Anthony, how is school going? Keeping up the practice?
Kyle, I tried to upload several pictures but it didn’t like them for some reason. Is there a size limit or a preferred format?
Wooo school is rough, and I haven’t had much time to practice, but I plan on reserving more time for it.
How about you? What piece are you working on now?
I haven’t been able to practice as much as I would like either due to excessive travel. I have actually been working on rokudan lately.
Michael, I have the same problem with my picture. I tried saving it as every file type my computer would allow and still no luck.
Michael, Cody, same here. I’ve tried for a couple of weeks, different files/formats/sizes, the Facebook pic option, but everything’s rejected. Yo, Kyle???
Luke???