|
Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos
Shakuhachi Master Teacher/Performer
myspace.com/alcvinryuzenramos
myspace.com/isshindenshin
facebook.com/A.Ryuzen.R.
Twitter.com (Shindake)
Alcvin's Dai Shihan license from
Yoshinobu Taniguchi
Profile:
Alcvin is a unique shakuhachi musician who is keeping the tradition of learning and playing the koten honkyoku (original zen pieces for shakuhachi) strong while exploring and expanding the boundaries of the instrument. (See projects page.) Born and trained in Japan, Alcvin is one of the foremost teachers and performers of shakuhachi in North America. He was the first non-Japanese to win a prize (runner-up) in the all-Japan Shakuhachi competition in 2000. In 2001, he received his shihan (masters) license from one of the greatest shakuhachi masters in history, Katsuya Yokoyama. In November of 2008, Alcvin received his Dai Shihan (grand master) license from another one of Japan's greatest players and teachers, Yoshinobu Taniguchi, taking the new name, "Ryuzen" (Dragon Meditation) making him the first Canadian and one of only a handful of non-Japanese to receive this esteemed honor. Alcvin has also studied jinashi shakuhachi playing intensively with Atsuya Okuda of the Zensabo and shakuhachi construction techniques with Shugetsu Yamaguchi. He has also studied biwa (Japanese Lute) and vocals with Master Yukio Tanaka.
Alcvin is also a composer and player of a variety of instruments and has been experimenting with new ways of playing traditional instruments as well as with synthesized and electronic music. He has taught and performed all over North America, Europe and Japan, and pursues an active solo as well as collaborative career, playing with such distinguished artists as John McLaughlin, Bill Laswell, Hun Huur Tuu Mongolian Throat Singers, Toshinori Kondo, Joseph Pepe Danza, and Uzume Taiko, and has opened for Anoushka Shankar and the Yoshida Brothers. He has recorded both classical shakuhachi music and electronic fusion pieces. Dharmakasa, a group he co-leads, received a Canada Council grant in 2007 to produce their full length CD of fusion/experimental works.
Alcvin is available for lectures, workshops, performances, film soundtracks, and dance theatre composition.
Internet Shakuhachi Lessons
For those too far to access a teacher, Alcvin also offers shakuhachi lessons over the internet. In order to proceed with on-line lessons you must have an internet-operational video camera and microphone. Skype is an excellent platform to do lessons with. To consult with Alcvin about lesson time arrangement and payment, please email ramos@dccnet.com.
Shakuhachi Roots Pilgrimage to Japan
Every other year in November, a pilgrimage to Japan is organized to harvest bamboo for making hocchiku and to visit various sacred sites associated with the shakuhachi flute. The next trip will be in November of 2010. For a description, please go here.
Shakuhachi retreats; shakuhachi classes in and around BC, Canada (Vancouver, Victoria, Sunshine Coast)
In 2003 Alcvin and his wife opened their home, Bamboo-In for shakuhachi retreats on the beautiful Sunshine Coast during the summer months. Alcvin teaches privately on selected days in downtown Vancouver. Alcvin also makes occasional visits to beautiful Victoria (Vancouver Island) to teach as well. Please check schedule for times and locations. Please call ahead of time to set up a time for a lesson.
Shakuhachi Appraisals
Alcvin offers the service of shakuhachi appraisals to accurately determine the limits, strengths, weaknesses of your flute. Appraisal fee: $30.00 per flute. The owner of the flute is responsible for postage to and from Alcvin. Cheque or money order is accepted.
Alcvin and other Japanese Instruments
Alcvin occasionally plays shinobue, biwa, and hichiriki.
Contact Alcvin
Alcvin maintains an active schedule of shakuhachi performances between Japan, Canada, Europe, and the U.S. For private lessons, workshops, and performance bookings please call 604-883-2023 or email ramos@dccnet.com. For shakuhachi flute inquiries, CD orders, and other mailings, mail to: S9-C3 Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0.
|
