Virtual shakuhachi with dai-shihan Michael Chikuzen Gould

Abstract

Virtual learning environments have become commonplace in the midst of COVID-19. Although it was not unheard of, taking Skype lessons on a musical instrument was considered to be unusual ten-plus years ago. This article will briefly discuss the ways in which the pandemic has affected those who study shakuhachi online with dai-shihan (grandmaster) Michael Chikuzen Gould. While individuals and institutions continue to figure out how to navigate this new cyber context, virtual shakuhachi lessons with Sensei Gould continue as scheduled and remain unaffected as in-person workshops and intensives are cancelled until further notice.