The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute known for its rich, meditative tone and deep cultural roots in Zen Buddhism. Whether you’re drawn to its haunting beauty, want to deepen your spiritual practice, or explore traditional Japanese music, the shakuhachi offers a rewarding and unique musical journey.
What You’ll Learn:
Proper breathing and embouchure techniques
Producing a clean, steady tone
Traditional honkyoku (solo Zen pieces)
Modern and folk repertoire
Music reading (traditional notation)
Mindfulness and meditative aspects of playing
About the Instructor:
Lydia Snyder is an experienced shakuhachi player and instructor at Kent State University. Committed to sharing the cultural and spiritual depth of this instrument, Lydia offers patient, personalized instruction tailored to your goals.
Scheduling & Format:
Flexible weekday and weekend slots
Online via Zoom (high-quality audio setup)
In-person (if available in your area)
No Instrument Yet?
Beginner instruments and guidance on purchasing a shakuhachi are available. You don’t need to invest in an expensive flute to get started!
Pricing
Location
Review (1)
Only guests who have booked can leave a review.
Lydia Snyder is a multi-discipline artist and ethnomusicologist with a focus on Japanese music and culture, but with a passion for global arts and travel. As a shakuhachi player, she uses music to explore arts and intimacy, sound healing, trance and altered states of consciousness, and ecomusicology. She is faculty in the music department at Kent State University, where she teaches musicology and ethnomusicology courses- including classes on Japanese anime! She specializes in connecting people to the most culturally and musically authentic and enriching experiences around the globe, whether that is an Irish session at a pub in Galway, a Buddhist meditation in the mountains of Koya, or a jubilant Oktoberfest in Munich. She’ll help connect you to where your heart vibes.
Chaz
October 21, 2025 at 3:34 amLydia is an excellent teacher!!!
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