オープン流三味線 - OpenRyū Shamisen
"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe." - Lao Tse
Hi!
I'm Andreas 😊 I founded OpenRyū to make the Tsugaru Shamisen (津軽三味線) more popular in Switzerland. I'm a huge Music enthusiast and have been playing the Tsugaru Shamisen since I'm 25 years old. Before that, I've been playing the electric Guitar. Well, I'm still playing the Guitar from time to time, but the Shamisen has definitely taken the main Spot in my life.
It was when I found this Video of Osanai Kaoru when it literally struck me. This sound, this dynamic - from very loud to very silent, with the harmonic, metallic background-buzz... I felt wonderful, content... and I knew: I want to learn to play like this!
Since then, my Shamisen has been with me through all kinds of situations in my life. It keeps me grounded and fills me with joy whenever I play or listen to it. And: I noticed, it connects all kinds of people - No matter what's their origin, age, gender or their place in society. The Tsugaru Shamisen, with it's pure and honest character, reaches to the heart of everybody.
Besides giving multiple concerts already, I recorded the Shamisen for a radio production of the Swiss radio and Television (SRF). At the Biwako Competition 2023, I was able to achieve a jury prize as part of the group "Ichikotsu" (いちこつ). It is an honor for me to have gotten this and it was an extremely great experience within our group! With this, I am the only active Tsugaru Shamisen teacher in Switzerland with such an award.
Use this opportunity to benefit from my knowledge and skills. Let's go on a wonderful musical journey to one of the most heartwarming areas of Japanese culture!
Appreciation to my Teachers & Supporters
My greatest gratitude goes to each of my many teachers and supporters who accompany me on my journey to learn the Tsugaru Shamisen. Without them, I would never have gained the profound insight into Japanese culture and its music that I have today.
With their impressive skills, they undoubtedly have plenty of opportunities to create music and pursue cultural activities. Nevertheless, they chose to generously and patiently help someone like me, who is passionate about music and speaks only little Japanese.
Furthermore, it shows me that, although the Tsugaru Shamisen is often perceived as a solo instrument, one cannot get far without a supportive environment, and this should never be taken for granted.
This fills me with immense gratitude and humility every time I play my Shamisen. I hope to one day repay this generosity.
(list in random order)
小竹勇生山と家族
Kotake Yuuzan and his family are masters of the Tsugaru Shamisen style of Takahashi Chikuzan and the arts of Takada Goze. They live on the Sea of Japan in the town of Nou (near Itoigawa) and organize many heartwarming community activities there.
My Parents
Heinz & Karin Tellenbach
Since my birth, my parents have supported me in all my hobbies and are still there for me today when I'm in need of something. Despite the countless hours I spent at our home practicing electric guitar with the amplifier turned up full blast.
小山内薫
Osanai Kaoru
Kaoru Osanai is a highly renowned and expressive player of the Tsugaru Shamisen. Through his modern playing style, many people around the world appreciate and connect to his music. Even those who are not yet familiar with the Tsugaru Shamisen. He lives with his family in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture.
只野德子
Noriko lives with her family in Australia. She plays Tsugaru Shamisen pieces and Min'yo with such passion that it moves me to tears every time. Her cheerful and open-hearted nature is a great inspiration to explore new paths. In addition to her own music, she is part of the Blues & Shamisen duo, George and Noriko.
Kyle Abbott
Kyle Abbott from the United States has been dedicated to the Tsugaru Shamisen since his youth, not only in terms of playing but also craftsmanship. His project Bachido significantly contributes to making Tsugaru Shamisen known worldwide and connecting and supporting players from everywhere.