Learn How To Play

Learning Shamisen – Where to Start?

This platform was created for anyone who wants to learn independent of time and place. But music is never just a solo activity—playing together is a vital part of it. Personally, I enjoy practicing alone, but there’s something magical about making music with others: communicating without words, feeling that spark. That’s why I can only strongly encourage you to play with other people whenever you can! If possible, put together a varied mix of activities. Not only will it make playing more fun, but the different formats push you out of your comfort zone in unexpected ways—and that’s when real growth happens.

New: The ShamiZone

To create a space for focused practice while also connecting with others and exchanging ideas, I started the The ShamiZone . All Substack Premium subscribers and Patreon supporters automatically get access. Sessions are completely free and open to all levels and styles . It’s a great concept that truly helps you progress. The project even has its own dedicated page where you can read in detail what The ShamiZone is all about, what it aims to achieve, and why you should give it a try 🙂

Get all the Details

Shamisen Berlin e.V. – Community Playing

In Berlin we have the association Shamisen Berlin e.V.which meets regularly for group practice. The focus is on ensemble playing and exchanging experiences. And, of course, it’s a wonderful chance to meet other shamisen nerds. Over the year, there are usually small performances, with student concerts also planned for the future. At the moment the group meets virtually to stay connected, but once in-person gatherings are possible again, you’ll find us at Zitadelle Spandau. Pre-registration is required by email: info@shamisen-berlin.de.

Learn more about the association

Private Lessons – One-to-One

When it comes to learning an instrument, the value of direct feedback from an experienced teacher can’t be overstated. Especially at the beginning, precise guidance on posture and basic techniques can save you enormous amounts of frustration, time (and injuries!)—and it accelerates progress enormously. That’s why I especially enjoy teaching beginners: it’s here that the foundation is laid for all future development. I teach in person in Berlin whenever possible, though my availability for that is limited to a few dates each year. Online lessons, however, are available year-round—just get in touch to book a lesson and get to know each other. könnt ihr bei mir das ganze Jahr über Unterricht nehmen – am besten einfach schreiben und eine erste Stunde zum Kennenlernen vereinbaren.

Lesson prices

Practice Together Online – The ShamiZone

ShamiZone was launched in summer 2023 to bring shamisen players together. In ShamiZone, we support each other, exchange tips, but most importantly, we carve out time and focus to practice shamisen—individually, yet together. This creates a highly productive and motivating atmosphere. The sessions are free for all Patreon supporters and Substack Premium subscribers (launching September 2025) and take place regularly. At the moment we meet virtually twice a week. All details can be found on this page, available on this page, available in English as well — so feel free to share and recommend it to your friends and fellow shamisen enthusiasts!

Get access via Patreon

Learn With Videos and Tutorials

On the YouTube Channel of Shamisen-Zentrale , you’ll find videos covering all aspects of the instrument, plus plenty of play-alongs for different skill levels. Sheet music is displayed in the videos and also available as downloadable PDFs for Patreon supporters. It’s a great resource if you’d like to build your own learning menu from a colorful variety of material.

Watch videos & tutorials on YouTube

Explore sheet music on Patreon

Learn By Ear or With Sheet Music

You can also learn entirely on your own, the classic way—through trying things out and researching. Especially if you already play another instrument, this can be an exciting path. Songbooks for different shamisen genres are available in the Shami-Shop, including beginner pieces ready for instant download. You can also learn by ear—this is, in fact, how shamisen was taught for centuries, long before music notation became common. Freeing yourself from written scores usually has a positive effect on your playing, because it shifts your focus to other aspects of music. Definitely worth trying!

Browse sheet music

Learn Anytime, Anywhere: Video Courses

Currently in development: structured video courses that teach techniques and songs step by step. Absolute beginners will find everything they need, but players looking to expand their repertoire will also benefit.

This part of the project takes the most energy, since a lot of testing, adapting, and fine-tuning is required. If video courses are especially important to you, you can help speed up the process by supporting the project on Patreon. Supporters also receive exclusive extras like giveaways, technical drills, and downloadable sheet music.

Support the project

Deep-Dive Workshops

Personally, I love workshops. They allow you to dive into new material with like-minded people and explore it in a way you can’t achieve on your own. Workshops aren’t just rich in content—they also provide opportunities for feedback, friendships, and growth. For me, they’re always highlights.

Workshops take place at irregular intervals throughout the year and are usually tailored to specific levels—for example, complete beginners, beginners with some prior knowledge, or advanced players refining technique and musical expression.

See upcoming workshops