Jon Johnston

Below are some samples of Jon performing on the shakuhachi. Enjoy!

 Jon performing at the Dallas Arboretum

About the Shakuhachi

An end-blown bamboo flute, the shakuhachi only has five holes but is capable of producing all twelve tones of the chromatic scale in two full octaves. Subtle finger and head movements create different pitches that can be enhanced with a variety of breath techniques for dramatic effects. In the hands of a skilled player, the shakuhachi can become the voice of nature; mimicking everything from the shrill cries of male deer in the mating season to the murmurings of a quiet brook in springtime.

I've been studying this beautiful and ancient instrument for over ten years now and was made a master teacher in 2008. If you're interested in learning to play the shakuhachi or would like to hire me to perform, please visit the contact page.