ARAGAKI MUTSUMI Okinawan Music Online Academy
Okinawan Vocal & Sanshin
Okinawan Vocal Crash Course（online, private. 3 hours）
beginner〜professional level complete 1 song
online, private lesson, 60min x 3
１st. lesson：
Understand your current situation, practice breathing techniques, practice the entire song, and understand your challenges.
２nd. lesson：
Practice the entire song, focus on specific challenges.
３ rd. lesson：
Master the challenges, practice the entire song, and summarize.
Assigned Pieces:
Generally, the assigned piece will be a piece you are currently practicing, but we are also happy to suggest other pieces.
Lesson Pace:
We will set a date and time within 1-2 months, taking into consideration your schedule and progress.
For details, lesson fee, and schedule, please contact us only if you are serious about taking lessons. contact
Only the first three people to register each month will be accepted.
The first person to register will receive a special discounted lesson fee.
Student Feedback:
🔸How many years have you been performing? What songs do you practice? What areas did you struggle with?
I've been performing for about seven years, focusing on Okinawan folk songs, but also practicing Ryukyu classical music and pop. I have a decent vocal range and know many songs, but I wasn't sure how to vocalize in an Okinawan way. My singing would end up sounding like a chorus or like a choked-up, natural voice, and I didn't know how to practice properly, which was troubling me. I worried that I wasn't cut out for Okinawan music. I could play the sanshin, but the rhythm was monotonous, and I had no idea how to incorporate expression or emotion into the sanshin. For some reason, I would strain my muscles while playing, which would sometimes hurt my wrists and fingers, so I wanted to somehow learn to play more naturally.
🔸The intensive three-lesson course consisted of three lessons (total of three hours). How effective did it feel?
During the first lesson, I was taught the very basics of singing and the sanshin. It was completely new to me, and I immediately felt a huge impact. Honestly, I was overwhelmed, wondering what I'd been doing up until then. She also identified my current situation and bad habits, as well as my talents and charms, and began the lesson with a direction that would help me make the most of them. Even though it was just the first lesson, my voice had already changed. It was so much easier to sing, and I was amazed to find that I could easily reach a range that had previously been difficult for me. The sound of the sanshin also sounded many times stronger, my hands felt more relaxed, and the reverberation was so much more pleasant. It was truly an eye-opening lesson. Between the first and second lessons, I thoroughly practiced the points I learned on my own, and I felt a significant improvement. In the second lesson, I built on the foundation of what I learned in the first lesson and advanced to the next level. Building on a relaxed singing voice, I learned finer points, such as expressing emotion and Okinawan intonation. I had no idea how to do it before, so the specific practice sessions made it very easy to understand. Listening to my own singing objectively, I could clearly see the difference. The third lesson was a fulfilling one, with a summary, a review of areas for improvement and weaknesses, future practice tips, and a Q&A session. While I wanted to focus on singing, the teacher also carefully taught me how to play the sanshin. She pointed out that my poor grip on the sanshin and plectrum was negatively impacting my singing voice. After she taught me the key points, I was able to relax and feel much more comfortable in both singing and playing. I was truly amazed at how much richer both my voice and the sanshin sound became. She taught me many things, including how to hold the sanshin, how to hold the plectrum, how to play, fingering tips, and how to incorporate emotion and expression into the sanshin's sound.
The lessons were very theoretical and practical, unlike any other classroom or seminar, and I was impressed by the lessons from a world-renowned professional. Although it was only three lessons (three hours), the content was focused directly on my goal, with no unnecessary detours. Although the lesson fees were higher than average, I feel like I got decades' worth of time and tuition back.
🔸Would you like to take the course again?
Yes, I would definitely like to take the course again, especially before a competition or a big stage performance. Also, when I come across something I just can't understand, or when I've practiced and mastered what I learned this time and am ready to move on to the next level, I would like to take the course from time to time to check my ability, as I believe she will provide clear, in-depth instruction in the direction I want to go. I'm so grateful to her continuous support!
