Takako’s Blog

  • https://www.youtube.com/@TakakoViolin

    I’m excited to share a new video introducing our school — Takako Violin School in Tokyo.
    In this video, you can get a glimpse of our personal violin and viola lessons, ensemble classes, and even a look at one of our concerts.

    Our school is a friendly and international place where students of all ages and backgrounds enjoy learning music together. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced player, we welcome everyone who loves music.

    Please take a moment to watch the video below and feel the atmosphere of our lessons and performances.
    I hope it gives you a sense of the warm, creative, and supportive community we are building here.

    I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

    If you enjoy the video, please consider subscribing to our channel for more updates, performances, and behind-the-scenes moments from our musical life in Tokyo.

    🎻 Welcome to Takako Violin School on YouTube!

  • New ensemble session has begun!

    Our new ensemble session has begun!
    We had our first rehearsal of Cavalleria Rusticana and Vivaldi’s Autumn, aiming for the November concert.

    Thank you for joining us on July 12th!

    New ensemble session has begun!

  • June Concert 2025

    On June 14, 2025, we held our June Concert. The event began with a lovely ensemble performance by the children, followed by beautiful solo performances on the violin, piano, and clarinet.

    Each student worked hard for six months to prepare a single piece, and then performed it in front of an audience at the concert hall. With everyone watching and supporting them, each performer gave their very best on stage.

    Our 14-member ensemble played Abdelazer, filling the hall with a powerful and impressive sound. The performance of Grieg’s Holberg Suite was also a great challenge, but the results showed just how much everyone had grown. It was a truly satisfying and rewarding performance.

    Thank you all for your participation. The ensemble is becoming more and more cohesive, and it’s a joy to witness everyone’s progress.

    Next up for the ensemble: Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana and Autumn from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. We’re looking forward to it!

    June Concert 2025

  • Congratulations to our student for advancing to the first round of the Junior Classical Music Competition in Japan!

    We’re so proud of your hard work and wonderful achievement. Excellent job!

    Junior Classical Music Competition in Japan

  • 6th Mini Concert & Trial Lesson!


    Event Report 🎶

    Date: Sunday, May 18th, 2025
    Location: Shinjuku Music Academy

    We’re happy to share a report from our recent Mini Concert & Trial Lesson event held on Sunday, May 18th at Shinjuku Music Academy.

    It was a lovely afternoon filled with music, new encounters, and lots of inspiration!

    🎶 Mini Concert – Featuring Piano, Violin & Viola

    The event opened with a live performance by our teachers, showcasing a beautiful selection of pieces for piano, violin, and viola.

    This was our first time featuring piano in an event, and the response was warm and enthusiastic!

    Guests enjoyed hearing how these instruments blend together in ensemble playing, offering a taste of what our lessons and sessions can offer.

    🎻 Trial Lessons

    After the concert, we welcomed attendees to try short trial lessons on violin, viola, and piano.

    Many participants, both children and adults, picked up an instrument for the very first time.

    It was exciting to see their curiosity turn into sound — sometimes even music — in just a few minutes.

    Our teachers provided gentle guidance and encouragement, making it a relaxed and welcoming experience for everyone.

    Some visitors were surprised at how much they could learn in such a short time!

    Thank You for Joining Us!

    We were so happy to meet everyone who attended and to share a glimpse of our musical world.

    Whether you’re completely new to music or thinking about returning after a break, we’d love to support you journey.

    If you couldn’t make it this time, we offer trial lessons by appointment — feel free to contact us anytime!

    6th Mini Concert & Trial Lesson!

  • Join Us for a Mini Concert & Trial Session!

    Free Music Experience Day – Violin, Viola, and Piano
    Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025

    Schedule

    • 15:00–15:40 Mini Concert
    • 15:40– Trial Instrument Session
    • Location: Shinjuku Music Academy – Violin Class
      Participation Fee: Free
      We’re excited to invite you to Trial Session Vol. 6—a musical
      afternoon for children and families to discover the joy of
      violin, viola, baroque violin, and piano!

    This special event will begin with a Mini Concert, followed by hands-on Trial Sessions where each participant can experience playing an instrument for about 10–15 minutes.

    Whether your child has never held an instrument before or is simply curious about music, everyone is welcome. Instruments will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary.

    What’s Included?

    • Listen to a short concert performed by professional
      musicians
    • Try out a violin, viola, baroque violin, or piano
    • Meet friendly instructors and ask questions
    • Take your first step into the world of music in a fun and
      supportive environment

    Age: 3 years and up (Children under junior high school age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.)

    Languages: Japanese and English available

    Instructors

    • Takako Kumada (Violin, Viola – Northwestern University,
      USA)
    • Taeko Kobayashi (Violin – Tokyo University of the Arts,
      Hungary National Liszt Academy)
    • Motoko Hosaka (Violin – Toho University, Salzburg
      Mozarteum)
    • Kaya Yamazawa (Piano – Toho University)

    No experience? No problem!
    You don’t need to bring anything—we’ll provide the instruments and smiles. Come as you are, and enjoy the music with us.

    Spaces are limited, so please reserve in advance.

    For more information and registration, scan the QR code on the flyer or contact:
    Email: shinjukumusicacademy.violin@gmail.com

    We can’t wait to see you there!

    Join Us for a Mini Concert & Trial Session!

  • New Year Concert & Tea Party at Tokyo

    Hello! This is Takako Kumada

    Happy New Year!

    We had a wonderful time at our New Year Concert and Tea Party!

    The concert began with a beautiful rendition of Pachelbel’s Canon, setting a warm and inviting tone for the afternoon.

    Thank you, Henri and Mihori for joining our ensemble! 

    I’m so glad we could make this happen because of you.

    We were honored to have the incredible Ms. Mihori as our guest musician. 

    She is truly a remarkable talent—an artist who seems capable of anything. 

    This time, she delighted us with a stunning solo piano performance. 

    Her skill as both a pianist and a composer is nothing short of phenomenal.

    We also performed Mozart’s Violin & Viola Duo, tackling all three movements. 

    It was certainly a challenge, but Tomoko-san rose to the occasion splendidly. Bravo to her!

    One of my personal highlights was playing Grieg’s Violin Sonata with my favorite pianist, Ms. Kaya. 

    Her profound and dynamic interpretation never fails to inspire me, and I’m always amazed by her dedication and diligence.

    We concluded the concert on a high note with the Radetzky March. 

    It was such a fun and lively way to ring in the New Year together.

     A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us!

    After the music, we enjoyed a cozy Japanese tea party with delicious snacks. 

    We served matcha, traditional Japanese sweets, and fluffy chiffon cakes, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax and connect.

    We’re already looking forward to continuing this tradition and making the New Year Concert and Tea Party an annual event.

    Hope to see you there next year!

    New Year Concert & Tea Party at Tokyo

  • Mini Violin Concert and Trial Session 

    We held a Mini Violin Concert and Trial Session at the Shinjuku Music Academy. 

    We received many applications, and the event was fully booked. 

    Thank you very much to everyone who participated!

    Mini Violin Concert and Trial Session 

  • 2024 Winter Concert

    ● The 2024 Winter Concert has been successfully held.

     Thanks to the wonderful performances and our audience, it turned out to be a truly enjoyable event. 

    Thank you so much to everyone who participated!

    2024 Winter Concert