Shakuhachi Teacher, Performer, and Studio Recorder - Joshua M. Smith, PhD.

Shakuhachi Profile
My life changed the moment I came in contact with the shakuhachi, a Japanese bamboo flute. I was not aware of its meditational and healing aspects when I first began, but I was still drawn to its beauty and power within simplicity. How could such a simple and natural piece of bamboo create both a classic and refined sound as well as a natural and raw sound? This is something I am still exploring even though I am now a professional performer, teacher, and studio recorder.

I lived in Japan for over 12 years studying, teaching, and performing the shakuhachi. I study under Okada Michiaki, a student of the famous Yokoyama Katsuya. Our school’s style is called the Kinko school (Yokoyama Katsuya style).

I received my Master's degree and also completed my Phd at Osaka University in the Graduate School of Human Sciences, researching the shakuhachi in cultural and music sociology in March 2010. If you are interested in reading about the changing values of contemporary players and how spirituality and capitalism is affecting their values, here is one of my online published articles:

( http://newyorksociologist.org/08/Smith-08.pdf)

I am a lifetime member of the Komuso Research Group and a friend of Ishikawa Toshimitsu's "Ishi no Kai."

In August and September of 2006, with my tent I walked the entire Shikoku 88 Temple's Pilgrimage (1400k) offering songs at all of the temples. To continue my shugyo (spiritual training) in 2010 I climbed Mt. Omine in Nara with other Buddhist monks and Shugendo ascetics, offering songs at the top of the rigorous mountain.




In June of 2008, I took 2nd place in the Young Player's Competition at the World Shakuhachi Festival in Sydney, Australia. In November 2008, I released my first solo CD the"Sound of the White Phoenix- Hakuho-on", a combination of traditional komuso pieces and originals.

February 2009, I was recognized as the official "Master Performer" by Taimadera temple, Nakanobo, often playing in their traditional and religious events. It has also lead to performances at such famous temples as Todaiji, Nara, where the great Buddha is held.

May 2009, a second CD, "Kurofune," released with Izukawa Hidefumi. It is a combination of Shakuhachi duets as well as songs with synthesizer and electro-acoustic music.

August 2010, I released my second solo album “Mahoroba.” Mahoroba means utopia, or arcadia, in English and it refers to the ancient area of Nara. The CD is a combination of originals and traditional pieces all centered around Nara and its peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.

December 2010, “Kurofune” released its second CD　“Flowing Winds", again with a mix of flute duets, piano duets, and solos. The CD was finished in time for a national tour in Japan that year.
Having moved back to Grand Island, NY I am continuing to teach the majority of my students via skype and am aiming to teach in the Western New York and Ontario areas.

The shakuhachi has influenced and changed my life in ways I can’t begin to explain. The meditational music has had great spiritual and calming effects for me. It is not an easy instrument to play, but I believe the fun is in the challenge. It will slowly build your concentration and benefit your life in many ways. Please enjoy the mysterious and relaxing sounds on my CDs and allow yourself to drift away for a moment. Please contact me if you are interested in exploring your own musical journey and learning this traditional art.

Information concerning SHAKUHACHI LESSONS can be found here
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