A brief history of koto and shamisen

　　Koto 　

　　Shamisen　　

　Gahoo Takachi's
　Koto and Shamisen Lessons

Koto

The koto is a slender, elongated instrument,
with thirteen strings stretched over a
resonant body. The precursor to this simple
yet beautiful instrument is thought to have
been imported from the Asian continent in
the Nara Period (710-794 CE), gradually
evolving to become something uniquely
"Japanese." The Koto achieved popularity
among the common folk in the Edo Period
(1603-1868), and in the following Meiji
Period (1868-1912), when Western music
started to gain prominence, it adapted to
meet these waves of change.
Over many years, a new approach to using
the koto to interpret new and ancient songs
has developed, while also emphasizing the
importance of inheriting the old traditions.
Indeed, maintaining this balance is a key
concern of koto musicians.
Now, a twenty-string koto, as well as a
twenty-five string koto, have been developed,
and a thirty-string version has evolved as a
separate instrument.

Shamisen

The shamisen is a member of the lute family
of musical instruments, with an elongated
neck and drum shaped torso, over which
three strings are stretched. Shamisen are
often made with wood from Chinese quince
trees, rosewood, or redwood.
The precursor of the shamisen can be found
among the Chinese lute-type instruments,
and is thought to have first come to Japan in
the Muromachi Period (1392-1573) via the
Ryukyu Islands (present-day Okinawa). It
was during the Edo Period (1603-1868) that
the shamisen became widely loved, as it
was used to accompany utaimono popular
vocal songs, and katarimono, longer
narrative songs. It was during the Edo
Period that the shamisen evolved into
something uniquely Japanese.
Koto and shamisen ensemble music
emerged in the 17th Century.

Gahoo Takaichi's Koto and Shamisen Lessons

Gahoo Takaichi has over 15 years of experience
as a performer and teacher of the traditional
Japanese musical instruments, koto and
shamisen. She has performed solo in recital
series, and with the quartet "Gara." She won
first place in the 5th "Great Wall of China
Cup" to celebrate musicians who specialize
in traditional Chinese and Japanese
instruments, and has participated in a study
program with the Agency of Cultural Affairs
of the Government of Japan.
Lessons are offered for a variety of skill and
experience levels, so whether you are a
beginner looking to experience and produce
Japanese music for yourself, or somebody
familiar with traditional Japanese music
looking for additional guidance from a
seasoned pro, please do not hesitate to
inquire.

Lesson Pricing Chart

Pricing	Entrance Fee	Monthly Fee: 1 Month
		Not required for students taking a single lesson
	Akasaka Classroom (Minato Ward, Tokyo) (The nearest station is Tameike-sanno. )	1 Lesson: 50 minutes
		3 Lessons Per Month: 8,000 \ (2020/04/01~10,000\）
		Single Lesson: 5,000 \
	Matsuyama Classroom (Matsuyama City, Ehime Pref. )	Single Lesson: 50min. / 5,000 \
		Inquire for more information
	Lessons at Student's Home, etc.	Depends on location. Please inquire for more information.
Sheet Music Fees & Other Fees	Ivory Pick: Starting from 4,000 \ (For Koto/Shamisen Experience lessons, you can borrow a pick)
	Sheet music book: 1,000 \ (tax not included)
	We will use the instruments available in each venue for the lessons.
Lesson Structure	One-on-one lessons For group lessons, please inquire
Lesson Topics	Koto, Shamisen, Music Theory
Target Students	Those who want to learn how to play the koto, or the shamisen. All music skill and experience levels, and all ages, welcom.
Music genres	Traditional songs, modern songs, etc.
Koto/Shamisen Experience Lessons	Only available in the Akasaka Classroom 30 minutes, 2,000 \
For more information, please feel free to get in touch! Please include "Lesson Inquiry" in the email subject line. mail@hogaku.net