The International Shakuhachi Society is a world forum for people interested in the Japanese bamboo flute.
It enables players, teachers, composers, ethnomusicologists and hobbyists to share information with a wide and sympathetic audience.
On average we have over one hundred full time members.
The site contains special features and tools for members to track their collections, create Bio Pages, and list Events. We are working towards allowing members to contribute to many portions of the site.
The society focuses on the following topics:
The history of the Japanese musical instruments shakuhachi, koto, and shamisen.
The history of the Komuso monks.
The history of music compositions: Zen music, classical chamber music, modern music.
The notation and playing techniques of the various schools.
Information about musicians and recordings.
Are you looking to meet other players in your area, access additional content, or contribute to the site? Then consider becoming a member. Dues keep the site alive and growing.
This site is a resource of historical information, not a store for out-of-print recordings, books, or sheet music. To purchase a shakuhachi or recordings, or find information about current musical events please visit our Sites & Events tab. We cannot advise you on where to find copies of specific recordings or sheet music since we don't have that information. Unfortunately most are out of print. Your best bets are Shakuhachi.com or Meijiro.
For a discussion of shakuhachi related topics check out the Shakuhachi Forum.
The information at this site has been compiled from various texts and contributions of our members. We have done our best to keep the information accurate but there are probably many errors and omissions, both historical and philosophical. With our member's help this site will constantly improve in quantity and quality.
Volume II of The Annals of the International Shakuhachi Society is now available!
Contact - webmaster@komuso.com
Riley Lee performs San'an from our DVD "The Sound of Bamboo"