Let’s play Japanese koto and shamisen and get inspired by their exquisite sounds.
Learn authentic Japanese music in New York.
I am an active performer based in New York and Japan. From my experience living in both countries, I hope to guide my students to produce the sounds of koto and shamisen that are deeply rooted in the Japanese cultural heritage. I also hope to help my students appreciate one of the core values of Japanese culture, wa – peace and harmony. I offer private lessons at my studio and welcome beginners as well as experienced players. For the information about each instrument, please visit the following page – koto and shamisen.
ABOUT THE STUDIO – Rei no Kai (伶の会)
■ Interested? Let’s start with a trial lesson.
I will never forget about the time when I heard the sounds of koto and shamisen for the first time because I was moved by their beauty. I offer trial lessons so that you will be able to hear and produce these sounds for yourself.
Trial lesson (45 minutes): US$ 40 (Please contact here)
■ Learn a wide variety of repertoire and
I can teach a wide variety of koto and shamisen music, which are comprised of repertoire that has been developed for many centuries. I am also literate in various notations and fluent in different styles of playing. For example, traditional and contemporary music are different stylistically, but I will be able to teach the appropriate performance style for each genre. I can also give workshops for composerswho are interested in writing for these instrument.
Koto and Shamisen repertoire: Yamada school koto music, Jiuta Soukyoku, works by Kin’ichi Nakanoshima, modern hogaku, contemporary music.
■ Getting an instrument
I can help beginners to purchase their own instruments. Based on my experience performing and teaching in Japan, I will be able to help you to get a good quality instrument and various equipment.
LOCATION / ONLINE
1, Kew Gardens area, New York
2, Higashi-matsuyama City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
I also teach online. (For beginners of shamisen, in-person lessons are strongly recommended.) Please contact for more information. I also give at-home lessons in New York City. (Transportation fee is charged separately.)
LESSON FEE
【New York Studio】
[Regular students] US$ 100 per lesson (sixty-minute)
[Single lesson for non-regular student] US$ 150 (sixty-minute)
– Lessons will be scheduled before the beginning of each month.
– I can be flexible if you are interested in taking lessons at your own pace, but three lessons per month is recommended.
– Since I also maintain a performance career, I may not be able to reschedule if the cancelation occurs 24 hours before the lesson.
– I can be flexible if you are interested in taking lessons at your own pace, but three lessons per month is recommended.
– Since I also maintain a performance career, I may not be able to reschedule if the cancelation occurs 24 hours before the lesson.
【Saitama Studio in Japan】
[Single lesson] 10,000 yen (sixty-minute) Only during my stay in Japan. Please contact for more details.
CERTIFICATES / EXPERIENCES
■ Master Certification of Yamada School from the Nakanoshima
■ Teaching certificate in music (high school and junior high school)
■ Former lecturer (koto and shamisen) at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Japan
■ Judge of Japan’s koto competition
■ Consultant of Japanese music (koto) for Carnegie Hall’s educational program (’24)
■ Many experiences teaching and giving workshops / masterclasses including NY Philharmonic’s educational program.
■ Teaching certificate in music (high school and junior high school)
■ Former lecturer (koto and shamisen) at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Japan
■ Judge of Japan’s koto competition
■ Consultant of Japanese music (koto) for Carnegie Hall’s educational program (’24)
■ Many experiences teaching and giving workshops / masterclasses including NY Philharmonic’s educational program.