Santur instrument

merits & demerits ?

There are many appealing merits to learning the santur. First, this instrument has a unique sound that enriches the heart and enhances emotional expression through performance. Moreover, the santur serves as an excellent tool for developing dexterity, and playing it fosters concentration and patience. Engaging in ensemble play with peers improves communication skills and can lead to fulfilling relationships. This instrument, which greatly amplifies the joy of music, is truly an expression of the heart.
On the other hand, the santur also has its demerits. To handle it requires a high level of skill, and mastering it demands time and effort. Additionally, it is necessary to choose a space where the sound resonates, leading to limitations in practice environments. Furthermore, the instrument itself is expensive, and its maintenance can be demanding, creating a psychological barrier to enjoying it casually. It’s not uncommon to experience feelings of frustration, leading to a moral conflict about whether pursuing it remains enjoyable.

Santur instrument
merits

◎Spiritual Fulfillment

Learning to play the Santur can provide an exceptional sense of peace. Playing an instrument is a unique activity that allows you to forget your stress and worries while healing your mind. By touching the instrument with your fingers, you connect with the mystery of music, which helps reduce distractions in your consciousness. As a result, your concentration improves, and you will feel a brighter energy in your daily life.

◎Development of Rich Musical Sense

Hearing the beautiful sounds of the Santur can feel like being invited into a dream world. This instrument has a unique characteristic of blending melody and rhythm. Therefore, it is an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of music theory and enhance your musical sensibility through performance. Indeed, a new door to music awaits you as you learn.

◎Expansion of Social Connections

Learning the Santur is a fantastic chance to with people who share the same interests. By sharing your instrument playing, you can make friends and enjoy the fun of participating in music events and workshops. The human relationships built through music become invaluable treasures in life.

◎Means of Emotional Expression

Using the Santur helps you cultivate the ability to express your emotions freely. This instrument allows for a wide range of expressions, from gentle melodies to passionate rhythms. The joy of conveying your feelings through music can become addictive once you experience it. You can also reflect on yourself through the power of music.

◎Improvement of Physical Skills

Through the process of playing the Santur, you can develop an astonishing dexterity in your fingers. This instrument requires precise movements and a sense of rhythm, naturally enhancing your physical abilities. As you master the techniques, you will use your entire body to feel the rhythm, leading to further improvement in your skills.

Santur instrument
demerits

×High Initial Investment

The Santur is an instrument known for its beautiful sound, but it is important to remember that the purchase price is very high. Compared to common instruments, it often ranges from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen, which can be a significant hurdle for beginners. Buying an expensive instrument right away can be a very risky choice for newcomers.

×Difficulty in Mastering Techniques

One of the characteristics of the Santur is that it is extremely difficult to master the performance techniques compared to other instruments. The adjustment of the strings and the playing methods are unique, and it will require time just to be able to produce basic sounds. This is one of the reasons why many people give up.

×Limited Learning Opportunities

There are significantly fewer classes and teachers who offer lessons for the Santur compared to other instruments, making it difficult to find one. Especially in regional cities, it can be challenging to meet specialized instructors, often leading to a self-study approach. Therefore, if the environment for receiving guidance is not established, it can be very difficult to continue learning.

×Instrument Maintenance can be Troublesome

The Santur is made with special strings, so it requires regular maintenance. This includes changing the strings and tuning, which can be cumbersome and may cause stress in a busy daily life. This maintenance is essential to keep the sound quality, but neglecting it can quickly lead to poor sound quality.

×Difficulty Gaining Understanding from Others

The Santur is generally not a well-known instrument, resulting in difficulties in gaining understanding from those around you. If friends and family are not interested, it could lead to a decrease in motivation. Being less prominent compared to other instruments can also contribute to feelings of loneliness.

×Limitations on Playable Songs

The Santur produces a unique sound, but as a result, the range of songs that can be played is very narrow. It is challenging to accommodate various genres such as classical and pop music, leading to specialization in specific styles. This limitation on the songs one wishes to perform can also restrict the scope of self-expression.

Learning to play the santur offers a wonderful spiritual fulfillment as one comes into contact with the depths of music. Its unique timbre helps to forget the noise of daily life and resonates deep within the heart. Additionally, learning various musical styles through this instrument allows for the development of a rich musical sense. Moreover, through performance, one can expect an expansion of social connections with peers, creating a space for cultural exchange. In other words, the santur provides multifaceted value as a means of expressing one's inner self.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to learning an instrument. Due to its unique beauty, the initial investment in a santur can often be high. Furthermore, acquiring the necessary skills requires significant time and effort, which can lead to moments of disheartenment along the way. The limited availability of teaching locations can make it difficult to find a qualified instructor, potentially hindering one's progress. Additionally, maintaining the instrument can be cumbersome, and there may be times when the “joy of music” turns into a tedious task.
Santur merits and demerits? [instrument] merideme