About – EN
About Me
I have long been fascinated by the culture, history, and spirituality of Japan. When I discovered the shakuhachi – the traditional Japanese bamboo flute – its meditative sound completely absorbed me. I began noticing this instrument more and more often: in films, video games, and the music I listened to. One day, I came across a concert by one of Japan’s contemporary masters – an experience that inspired me to take up the shakuhachi myself. The honkyoku repertoire, carrying a sense of calm and inner focus, resonates with me most deeply.
My musical education began much earlier, in a local music school, with instruments such as the accordion, piano, and guitar. Yet it was the shakuhachi that truly spoke to me – and has remained with me ever since.
As someone deeply connected to the principles of Zen, I soon felt that this instrument offered not only a musical path but also a spiritual one. The honkyoku pieces, with their meditative stillness, continue to guide my practice.
The name Shiryū – “Purple Dragon” – was given to me by my teacher, Master Shawn Tairyū Head (Meiyo Dai Shihan), together with the rank of Jun Shihan.
Today, I am a certified shakuhachi teacher and performer, grateful to share how this bamboo flute can move the heart and bring peace at the same time. I continue my advanced studies under the guidance of Master Tairyū.
About the Shakuhachi
What is the shakuhachi?
The shakuhachi is a bamboo flute that most likely arrived in Japan during the Nara period (710–794). Its name comes from a traditional unit of length – ichi shaku hachi sun (1 shaku 8 sun), often shortened to 1.8 shaku – hence the name shaku-hachi.
During the Edo period (1603–1868), it was popularized by the komusō monks, who used it not merely as a musical instrument but as a tool for Zen meditation. Paradoxically, this simple flute with only five holes allows for an immense range of expression, depth, and tonal nuance. The shakuhachi naturally imitates the sound of wind flowing through a bamboo grove, the rustling of leaves, and the calls of birds. The pieces written for it carry as much depth in the pauses between breaths as they do in the notes themselves.
start learning today!
Interested in the Japanese bamboo flute?
Feel free to contact me and schedule a free 15-minute introductory lesson.
I offer online lessons via Discord, as well as in-person sessions in Stare Babice, with the option of travel to Warsaw.
Lessons are available in 30- or 60-minute formats.
✉️ Email → kontakt@konradshakuhachi.pl
📞 Phone → +48 503 393 831
📍 Location → Stare Babice