⏰How to Learn Shinobue Flute Quickly👍
We all want results... and FAST!
I was incredibly eager to begin learning the shinobue in June 2020, and I set myself the challenge of being able to perform with it in public within a year. At 54 years old, I knew I couldn't afford to wait decades to master this instrument. I was determined to see progress quickly!
I understand that some people might consider one year to be a long time, but let's face it, mastering an instrument takes years. So, setting this goal was quite daring!
Long story short, I played the shinobue in public the following summer and even received payment for it!
I want to share with you how I accomplished this.
I practiced every day
I practiced at least one hour, often multiple hours, daily.
Too busy? You can practice for just 1-10 minutes every day. On days when you have more time, practice for longer. You'll notice amazing progress in just a month!
I took one-on-one lessons via Zoom
In my opinion, there's no faster way to learn any musical instrument than through one-on-one instruction from a master.
I recorded the Zoom lessons and watched them every time I practiced.
It was almost like brainwashing! 😅
What is YOUR goal?
I'm a musician, so my goal was to perform and get paid. But I'm sure yours would be different.
Create your own goal that is realistic but a bit audacious.
Example 1. To play shinobue with your taiko group in one year.
Example 2. To play "Happy Birthday" for your mom on her birthday.
Example 3. To play some songs in a nursing home in 6 months (one of my students accomplished this).
Having a clear goal will help you progress faster.
How badly do you want your goal?
If you're really eager to achieve your goal, you'll find the time, energy, and resources to make it happen. Mastering an instrument is not so much about talent but also about determination.
If you take a look at the biographies of professionals (pianists, golfers...), you'll see the tremendous sacrifices they and their families have made. Many have even relocated to other countries to pursue their training.
Obviously, such drastic changes are not necessary for playing a shinobue as a hobby, but you should be willing to commit to practicing if you want to excel.
Just a reminder: the more you practice, the better you'll become. It's common sense, but we tend to blame lack of progress on everything but lack of practice.
Before you conclude that you lack talent, consider how much time you're putting into practice. How much time do you spend with your shinobue?
Playing "A Life Sent On" right after getting your first shinobue is like marrying someone after knowing them for two days. While some people have done it, it usually ends up in disaster.😅
No matter what your goal is, you'll see much better results by practicing a little bit every day rather than doing long practice sessions once a week! So...
7-day daily-practice challenge!!!
Even 1 minute of practice counts as one day! Practice 7 consecutive days and see how much you have progressed!! You start to see yourself as a shinobue player!
Don't know where to start? Use this guide!
Day 1: Let's start by playing one note and focusing on improving your tone. If you're just starting out, play ryo on 4. If you're more advanced, try playing a note that challenges you. Play it over and over and pay attention to the sound and feeling of your body.
Day 2: Time to play one phrase from a song you're working on and aim for smoothness.
Day 3: Let's practice diaphragmatic breathing (if you're not sure how, you can watch one of my videos). Try incorporating this breathing technique into your playing by practicing just one note. Keep repeating this exercise.
Day 4: It's time to play along with one of my tutorials.
Day 5: Practice playing octaves, starting on the ryo on and moving to kan on without taking a breath. If that's too challenging for you right now, just focus on playing ryo on and strive for the most beautiful tone.
Day 6: Work on playing the second phrase of your practice song and aim for smoothness.
Day 7: Play the first and second phrases without stopping.
Day 8: Email me your experience!!!!!!!!
