Kōchiku Kai Shakuhachi Lessons
A Path of Music, Meditation, and Mastery
Find your voice through shakuhachi—wherever you are on your journey.
Whether you’re picking up the flute for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, Kōchiku Kai offers a supportive, structured path for every level. Through sound, breath, and silence, each lesson is an opportunity to grow musically while cultivating presence and a deeper connection to the instrument.
What You’ll Study
Our Lineages: Honored, Not Blended
Kōchiku Kai is dedicated to the study, preservation, and transmission of shakuhachi honkyoku across distinct historical traditions. Each lineage is approached with respect for its unique history, repertoire, and stylistic identity. By preserving these distinctions, we honor the traditions while keeping their musical heritage alive for future generations.
Begin Your Path
Ready to explore the shakuhachi? Whether you seek musical growth, contemplative practice, or advanced traditional study, I welcome you to begin your journey with Kōchiku Kai.
Lesson Rates
In-person lessons: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
To schedule a lesson, contact: scasano@punahou.edu
At Kōchiku Kai, shakuhachi is more than an instrument to master. It is a path of musical expression, personal cultivation, and discovery through breath and sound.
Find your voice through shakuhachi—wherever you are on your journey.
Whether you’re picking up the flute for the first time or deepening a lifelong practice, Kōchiku Kai offers a supportive, structured path for every level. Through sound, breath, and silence, each lesson is an opportunity to grow musically while cultivating presence and a deeper connection to the instrument.
What You’ll Study
- Honkyoku — traditional solo shakuhachi repertoire
- Gaikyoku — traditional and modern ensemble music
- Traditional notation — Chikuho and Kinko systems
- Breath, tone, and mindful practice — developing sound, technique, and presence
- Private lessons tailored to your goals and experience
- Workshops for focused study and musical exploration
- Advanced mentorship for students pursuing formal Shihan certification
Our Lineages: Honored, Not Blended
Kōchiku Kai is dedicated to the study, preservation, and transmission of shakuhachi honkyoku across distinct historical traditions. Each lineage is approached with respect for its unique history, repertoire, and stylistic identity. By preserving these distinctions, we honor the traditions while keeping their musical heritage alive for future generations.
- Chikuho Sakai II lineage: koten honkyoku, gaikyoku, and minyo. Direct transmission from Riley Lee.
- Yokoyama Katsuya lineage: Dōkyoku, Kinko, and the Azuma-ryū music of Fukuda Rando. Direct transmission from Ishikawa Toshimitsu, Yokoyama Katsuya, and Teruo Furuya.
- Jin Nyodō lineage: The San Kyorei- Kyorei, Koku, and Mukaiji of Fudaiji Temple tradition. Direct transmission from National Living Treasure Zenyoji Keisuke.
- Kinpu-ryū — Hirosaki transmission: Traditional honkyoku reflecting the distinctive techniques and musical heritage of the Tsugaru region of northern Japan. Direct transmission from Prefecturally Designated Cultural Treasure for Kinpu-ryū shakuhachi, Dr. Yamada Fumio.
Begin Your Path
Ready to explore the shakuhachi? Whether you seek musical growth, contemplative practice, or advanced traditional study, I welcome you to begin your journey with Kōchiku Kai.
Lesson Rates
- 30 minutes — $30
- 45 minutes — $45
- 60 minutes — $60
In-person lessons: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
To schedule a lesson, contact: scasano@punahou.edu
At Kōchiku Kai, shakuhachi is more than an instrument to master. It is a path of musical expression, personal cultivation, and discovery through breath and sound.
Recording Session with Riley Lee
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At Yokoyama Katsuya's favorite noodle shop with my teacher, Ishikawa Toshimitsu. Shin-
Osaka Station
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Lesson with Yokoyama Katsuya ca. 2000. Okayama, Japan
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I often get questions about purchasing shakuhachi. Below are some resources you may find useful. For my students, I do have shakuhachi available for purchase, but at this time I am not selling flutes to individuals outside the Kōchiku Kai student community.