Performer, builder, and founder of Bachido, the international shamisen community. Kyle brings 20 years of shamisen experience to concerts, festivals, weddings, and corporate events.
Kyle Abbott has dedicated himself to the Japanese shamisen since the age of 13. He learned to play and build the instrument, and went on to become a professional performer and teacher.
Kyle performs in the Tsugaru style, the powerful traditional music of Northern Japan, at everything from wedding anniversaries and corporate events to full concerts and festivals. He also plays shakuhachi, leads educational workshops, builds professional-quality shamisen, and produces shamisen albums.
Through his performances and international workshops, Kyle aims to inspire audiences around the world with the Japanese shamisen.
Kyle also performs with Su Bunjamin as MK Fufu, a Tsugaru shamisen duo based in Santa Cruz. For corporate groups they offer an optional interactive segment, with guided chanting and simple percussion alongside a live min'yō performance.
Book the duo at shamisen-music.comAs interest in the shamisen grew around the world, Kyle saw the need to connect enthusiasts and create an accessible path to learning the instrument. In 2011 he founded Bachido, now the online home for shamisen players everywhere, offering instruction, community, and the instrument itself.
More than 4,000 members have learned from Bachido's lessons and shared ideas in its community forum. Every year since its founding, Kyle has found new ways to make the shamisen fun and exciting to learn.
A complete learning path, from a first lesson to advanced technique, built with fellow instructors.
In 2015 Kyle founded ShamiCamp, an international workshop series bringing players together in person.
Kyle co-designs professional instruments with Tokyo Wagakki and builds shamisen by hand.
Since 2020, Kyle has led Waves of Harmony, an East-meets-West world-fusion project that brings together more than 50 master musicians from Japan and the West.
The recordings blend the traditional melodies of the Japanese shamisen and other Japanese instruments with folk music from around the globe, ranging from new takes on classic Japanese songs to Appalachian folk.
Festivals, concerts, cultural events, and national tournaments, listed by year.
Artists Kyle has performed and recorded with.
Tell Kyle about your event: the occasion, date, and location. You'll get a personal reply with availability and details.
