A Japanese Music Lesson

Sally Nguyen in Osaka, 2012

Mitchell Conservatorium piano student, Sally Nguyen enjoyed her visit to Japan, made during the school holidays. Her host family kindly took her to a koto class, where she was able to hear this special instrument being played by an ensemble of keen students.

If we tell you that a koto is a little like a zither, you may still be wondering about it, because you won't see many zithers in Bathurst, either.

But this amateur Youtube video, made by another student from another school during a trip to Japan, might be worth watching, and better than any verbal description we could supply.



Many Australian composers have become fascinated with the music of our Asian neighbours and have incorporated some of the music in their writing. Peter Sculthorpe has even written pieces for piano called Koto Music I and II. The Australian Music Centre has a short sample here. You will notice that the performer is playing inside the piano, not on the keys.

If you would like to try this, please ask the piano owner's permission first: it can damage the strings.