I am a shakuhachi teacher, performer now offering lessons to anyone in the Western New York, Buffalo, Grand Island, Niagara Falls and surrounding areas.
Click Here for Lesson Information
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.
My name is Joshua M. Smith and I live on Grand Island, NY. We recently moved back from Katsuragi city, Nara prefecture. Currently I have released 4 full-length CDs through a label in Japan:
・ Mahoroba (Solo)
・ Flowing Winds (duets with shakuhachi and synthesizer)
・ ”Kurofune” (Self-titled Kurofune shakuhachi duet album)
・ The Sound of the White Phoenix (Solo Shakuhachi – Currently SOLD OUT))
In the following video you can see some scenes of the area where I lived in Nara. Also, you can understand the area and temple which has influenced my music and who I am.
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:
I am a lifetime member of the Komuso (Monks of Nothingness) 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.
After having ran 2 shakuhachi schools in Nara, Japan and teaching in Japanese and English to a wide age range of students I am opening up a school at Serene Gardens in Western New York.
I have performed for many Diplomats at international events, local festivals, private parties, solo and with orchestras.
I concentrate on the Solo traditional pieces of meditation, which are both soothing and dynamic. My teacher plays in a very vigorous and refreshing way and encourages both the mind and body to work in harmony when playing this Japanese bamboo flute. I also play modern and many original composed pieces which stem from my many experiences throughout Japan and my life.
SHAKUHACHI ESSAYS
Please click on the following links to ESSAYS about shakuhachi and Japanese culture:
Japanese Castles: Takatori Castle Ruins and Hina Dolls
Check the Events Page for upcoming concerts, lessons, or workshops.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me via the Contact Page.
