Keyboard Instruments Music
Faculty of Music, Department of Performance & Composition, Keyboard Instruments Music
Exploring the diverse charms of keyboard instruments
We aim to develop students' sensibilities and individuality, and to help them realize a life that is not only musical performance, but also music. In addition to individual lessons, first and second years require a "Keyboard Fundamentals" course, where students learn the fundamentals necessary for Keyboard Instruments Music, such as reading sheet music in three dimensions, physically expressing dance steps, playing duets and two pianos, and teaching methods. Furthermore, third and fourth years offer courses such as the "Keyboard Instrument Soloist Course," "Ensemble Piano Course," and "Piano Pedagogy Course," allowing students to broaden their individual possibilities and take on the challenges of their dreams.
Learning Features
- Developing musicality and intelligence that can be utilized in a variety of fields
- Education that respects each individual's individuality and sensibility
- A full range of group lessons, including duets and ensembles
Lesson Video
F. Schubert: Sonate für Klavier No.16 A-moll D845 op.42 3rd movement
4th movement
Class and Activity Introduction
Specialized Practical Skills (Piano)
In addition to learning basic piano techniques, students will also develop rich expressive abilities and acquire performance techniques that are in line with contemporary styles.
Specialized Practical Skills (Organ)
Students will comprehensively learn fingering, articulation, touch, and other technical and expressive aspects, as well as styles that differ across eras and countries (regions).
Specialized Practical Skills (Electronic Organ)
You will learn everything from reviewing the basics to arranging and composing techniques and creating solo pieces, and acquire the ability to express yourself in a way that will appeal to everyone.
Piano Duo Exercises
Students will learn how to play duets and two piano pieces, and acquire the unique techniques for piano duos.
Piano Masterclass by Professor Jacob Leuschner
In October 2024, Professor Jacob Leuschner who has a wide repertoire spanning from the Renaissance to the present day and is particularly skilled in works from the Viennese Classical period, was invited to give an open piano lesson. Two undergraduate students received instruction and gained a great deal of experience.
in Focus - Keyboard Instrument Basics
Students learn rhythm, melody, and harmony as a whole, and not only turn what is written on the sheet music into sound, but also acquire the expressiveness and score-reading skills to perform more musically. In the first year, students learn the basics of performance through sight-reading, transposition, and duets, and in the second year, they also study piano teaching methods. Through these classes, students will acquire the ability to respond to a variety of performance opportunities, not only solo but also ensemble and accompaniment.
Student's Voice
Deciphering the composer's intentions from the score
Bringing your own interpretation to the performance
NOJIMA Tamaki
Department of Performance & Composition, Keyboard Instruments Music（Piano), 4th year
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music Senior High School, Tokyo
Keyboard Instruments Music + Keyboard Instrument Soloist Course
At Kunitachi College of Music, I don't only receive private lessons as a soloist, but also a wide range of other learning opportunities, including duets, chamber music, and piano teaching research. One particularly memorable class was the "Keyboard Instrument Lecture (Performance Interpretation)," which explored the relationship between composers and their works. For example, comparing Beethoven's and Chopin's "Funeral Sonata," both have a "Funeral March" in the third movement, but there are significant differences in the movements that follow. It was fascinating to hear how composers' views on life and death, music, and life can be gleaned from the musical motifs of their works. I learned the importance of being able to interpret the composer's feelings from the score. Having acquired this ability, I hope to apply my own interpretation to my performance expression.
Faculty Message
The accumulation of experience and knowledge is reflected in the performance.
YAMAUCHI Noriko
Keyboard Instruments Music
Specialty: Piano
We will fully support you as you read, feel, and think about the music score, and through trial and error, express it honestly and personally. The piano, which was invented 300 years ago, has been improved and played to this day. Learn about its history by touching and experiencing the instrument at Collection for Organology, flipping through various scores and books in Library, and gaining knowledge and discovering your interests through classes and lessons. These experiences will surely be reflected in your piano playing.
Educational Goals
This program cultivates students' abilities to be active in various musical fields, such as performers and instructors, through the acquisition of a wide range of musical knowledge, solid performance techniques, and expressiveness. Furthermore, it cultivates individuals with the insight to contribute not only to music but also to society at large.
Admissions Policy
We are looking for people who wish to play an active role in society as performers and instructors, who take music seriously, and who are motivated to strive to improve themselves.
Curriculum Policy
In the foundation course, students learn the three elements of music - rhythm, melody, and harmony - as a whole, and acquire the skills to connect them to musical expression and apply them to actual performances. They also acquire musical knowledge that forms the foundation of performance, such as keyboard instrumentology, music analysis, and performance interpretation. In the specialized course, students deepen their specialized and multifaceted knowledge, including work analysis and teaching material research. They can also learn ensemble and teaching methods in line with their individual aspirations and career paths, enhancing their practical skills in various musical fields and in society. In the specialized practical skills learned through the foundation and specialized courses, students hone true performance techniques that enable self-expression by mastering a wide range of repertoire from various eras and styles.
Diploma Policy
Students will tackle pieces from various eras, from the Baroque to the modern era, and acquire high performance skills that incorporate a sense of style and originality, while also acquiring the ability to express themselves through keyboard performance.
Acquire the ability to perform in a variety of performance situations, including not only solo but also ensemble and accompaniment.