Shamisen Lessons

 

Lessons are by appointment, and should be scheduled at least 1 week in advance.

 

Lessons are taught in either English or Japanese.

Makoto teaches primarily because she enjoys introducing people to traditional music, not in order to make money. Because of this, her tuition fees are EXTREMELY low. The lesson fees go toward the maintenance of the instruments, which is quite expensive; periodic replacement of strings; the cost of photocopying notation; and to help defray the expenses involved in organizing student concerts.

 

The cost of shamisen lessons is (per person):
                        

60 minute lesson (1,500yen)

90 minute lesson (2,000yen)

120 minute lesson (2,500yen)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Makoto does NOT lend her instruments to anyone, as shamisen are expensive, fragile and don't travel well.

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Buying a shamisen is similar to buying a violin--prices and quality range from low-cost unplayable junk to concert-grade instruments costing the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars. When the time comes and you wish to purchase an instrument, Makoto will help you. She has a relationship with the shamisen makers Kameya (see the LINKS page) and they can provide a student-model shamisen of good quality at a reasonable price.

 

If you are a short-time visitor to Japan, Makoto also welcomes tourists. She can work with up to 3 people per one-time session (again, by appointment.) In these sessions, Makoto will provide you with an in-depth, hands-on introduction to all the instruments of the Kabuki hayashi: shamisen / kotsuzumi / taiko / flute.　

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