Mindful playing: a practice research investigation into shakuhachi playing and meditation

This article describes a practice research project investigating how the of meditation may be integrated into playing shakuhachi, an instrument utilised during Edo period (1603–1867) as tool for spiritual by monks Fuke sect and later becoming part hōgaku (Japanese traditional music) world stage instrument. Although we cannot know were trained to use shakuhachi in meditation, I have combined my own experiences, order investigate player today approach incorporation their musical practice. In transforming experience words, here employ auto-elicitation, micro-phenomenological interview technique developed Claire Petitmengin describe subtle fine-grained experiences while playing. The is regarded within field ethnomusicology challenges narrow kind scholarship academia, which overshadows research—the act music.