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LESSONS Q & A | REQUEST PERFORMANCES
Masayo's corner (Japanese only) | Hogaku-land(Japanese) | Hogaku-land(English )
Mail to MASAYO ISHIGURE
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| 1.Where are the koto and shamisen lessons? | West Side, Midtown Manhattan, a block from the 42nd street A*C*E* subway stations and close to other 42nd St subways. |
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| 2.How much for each lesson? | 1 hour private lesson, $50 each lesson (no group lessons) You must have at least 2 lessons per month, thus $100 per month. If you want to come more than twice that is fine. If you are living in the city far from New York City (for example Boston, Philadelphia, etc.) and difficult to come to New York City twice a month for lessons, I offer you 1 lesson a month. In this case $65 per lesson. |
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| 3.Do I need to bring my instrument to the lesson? | No, you can use one of my kotos or shamisens, There is no need to bring yours every time if you don't want. |
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| 4.When is the possible lesson time? | Usually Monday-Friday 11AM-8PM (last lesson starting time: 7PM) |
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| 5.What about weekend lessons? | If you are unable to come during the weekdays, for example you live far away from NY city, it is possible. |
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| 6.How can I make an appointment for a lesson? | By e-mail or telephone | ||||||||
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| 7.How do I buy a koto, or shamisen, or can I rent one? | The koto costs about $800, which includes koto bridges and koto cover. They are imported from Japan.
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| 8.What else do I need to play koto? | Everyone needs 3 koto picks which cost $60-115. Koto stands ($55/Pair) and music stand ($38)are optional
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| 9.How can I buy a shamisen? | A shamisen can be bought from Japan via the internet for about $930, including a hard case for the instrument and shipping
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| 10.What else do I need to play shamisen? | A shamisen is played with a hand held pick called a bachi. A plastic bachi costs $43. A bachi case is about $32.
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| 11.Do I have to speak or read Japanese to play koto or shamisen? | No, many of the Sawai Koto Academy students are non Japanese and cannot read or speak the language. | ||||||||
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| 12.Do I need to read music or have prior knowledge of music? | No, many of the students never played a musical instrument before and cannot read Western music. You will need to learn to read koto music, which is not very difficult. All levels are welcome. Students ages range from childhood to retired |
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| 13.Is it possible to take a trial lesson? | Yes, anyone can have a free one hour trial lesson. Please make an appointment by e-mail or phone. |
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Copyright © 2005, Masayo Ishigure