Ronindennis

High school teacher and musician dominantly interested in Japanese folk music. I play Tsugaru Jamisen.

It's good to see many new players outside of Japan, but I'm afraid a lot of them don't learn the basics of the instrument, nor its background. We're all standing in a rich tradition, but if you don't know its history it's difficult to pass on the heart (kokoro) of the music.

So it's just as important to learn the background as well as the songs. There are so many great songs, yet most people some to be solely pre-occupied with their improvised Jonkara or Aiya and showing off. Let's keep the heart beating! ;-)

less