Learn to play the traditional Koto harp

Minato City Trip Overview

Learn to play the refined and distinctive national instrument of Japan, the koto. Somewhat like a Japanese-style harp, the koto is a versatile insturment with a long history stretching back to the 7th century. Well-known in Japan for its lingering echo-like sounds and changing tones, it has inspired many from the likes of folk musicians to even rock and hip-hop stars.

In this workshop, a nationally-accredited instuctor will teach you the basic facets to playing this most elegant of instruments. They will explain to you its history and influence, and you will be taught how to play a simple piece.

Additional Info

Duration: 1 hour
Starts: Minato City, Japan
Trip Category: Classes & Workshops >> Music Classes

What to Expect When Visiting Minato City, Tokyo, Japan

Learn to play the refined and distinctive national instrument of Japan, the koto. Somewhat like a Japanese-style harp, the koto is a versatile insturment with a long history stretching back to the 7th century. Well-known in Japan for its lingering echo-like sounds and changing tones, it has inspired many from the likes of folk musicians to even rock and hip-hop stars.

In this workshop, a nationally-accredited instuctor will teach you the basic facets to playing this most elegant of instruments. They will explain to you its history and influence, and you will be taught how to play a simple piece.

Itinerary

In this program, you will be taught the basic facets to playing the koto (the Japanese harp). As the session proceeds, your instructor will explain to you the history behind the ancient instrument and you will learn to play a simple piece.

The koto is a versatile musical instrument that has a long history stretching back to the 7th century. It has thirteen strings each of which are played using finger-pricks on the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. Its beautiful changing tones and lingering echo-like sounds are distinctive parts of traditional Japanese music, but its versatility means that it is still a prominent musical instrument to this day. Since the end of the twentieth century koto music has being experienced somewhat of a renaissance and the instrument can be found in everything from Japanese folk music to jazz, rock, J-pop and even some hip-hop tracks.

Please note: Our koto experience now takes place in our brand-new-for-2019 Grand TJT experiences room. Current website photos do not represent this location.

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