Shakuhachi 1 on 1 (Signup)
The shakuhachi is an end-blown traditional Japanese flute known for its evocative, expressive sound. The current form of the instrument was first used in the early Edo period (1600-1867) by monks from the Fuke-sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism as part of their meditation rituals. In the 19th century it was incorporated into secular ensemble music (Sankyoku) and folk music (MinâyĆ). Now it can be heard in everything from contemporary orchestral music (Takemitsuâs âNovember Stepsâ) to pop music (Peter Gabrielâs âSledgehammerâ) and beyond.
About Elliot Kallen
Elliot Kanshin Kallen is a shakuhachi player from northern California. He received his Shihan (teaching credentials) and performance name from Chikuyu-sha, the largest Kinko-ryƫ teaching organization in Japan.
He performs traditional Japanese ensemble music as part of the Edo Ensemble and was a founding member of TenTen Taiko. He also performs and records in a wide variety of Western musical contexts, including rock, pop, jazz, and modern creative improvised music. His website is www.japanflute.com
He teaches shakuhachi from his home in Santa Rosa, CA in person and on Zoom or FaceTime. He was one of the organizers of the 2025 World Shakuhachi Festival in Texas, and is on the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Matsuri Festival of Japanese Arts and Culture (www.sonomamatsuri.org). Elliot is the current president of the International Shakuhachi Society (www.komuso.com)