Carl Abbott

Carl Abbott is an American shakuhachi player, teacher and author whose music is shaped by Zen and Taoist practice. He studied shakuhachi in Japan under masters Goro Yamaguchi and Kansuke Kawase (formerly Junsuke III) while living in Tokyo, and went on to settle in Santa Cruz, California, where he founded the Center for Taoist Thought and Fellowship.

Carl is best known for his book Blowing Zen: One Breath, One Mind, a guide to shakuhachi playing, meditation, and instrument construction built on his idea of “music as mindfulness.” Through his teaching, writings and personal practice, he has introduced traditional shakuhachi music (honkyoku) to many Western meditators and musicians. He is also Kyle Abbott’s father!