We will ask you about music colleges, music colleges, music classroom course programs, summer classes, local life information, etc. that only those who have experienced studying abroad in music can understand.Please use it as a reference for yourself in the future.
Ritsuko Takeuchi-At Charles Bridge
Profile of Ritsuko Takeuchi
Graduated from Sakuyo College of Music, Faculty of Music, Department of Educational Music.Completed the Department of Music, Faculty of Music, Kurashikisakuyo University.Currently a junior high school teacher. 2008Prague Chamber Music Master Course & Festivalparticipate.
-First of all, please give us a brief biography.
Takeuchi I started playing the piano when I was 4 years old.After graduating from the piano major of Sakuyo University of Music, I completed the piano major of Kurashiki Sakuyo University, Faculty of Music, Department of Music.After graduating, I got a job, belonged to the choir on the piano, played solo, and continued to play music while working.
-Have you ever attended a class?
Takeuchi There is no such thing.This is the first time.
-When did you start thinking about joining?
Takeuchi: I've always wanted to study abroad, albeit vaguely.My desire to study chamber music is getting stronger, and I decided to attend this class because I can participate alone, study chamber music, and see solos.The reason I decided to participate was that I had a work schedule.
-Have you ever studied chamber music?
Takeuchi I have never studied in a proper way.However, since I belonged to the orchestra as a violin, I had the opportunity to ensemble with the strings and tubes, so it was fun ...So I wanted to study properly.
To the castle with friends of the class
-What kind of people participated in the seminar?
Takeuchi There were many students, but there were also working people like me.
-How many people came during the same period?
Takeuchi There were 53 people this time.
-Which country did you have the most people in?
Takeuchi The United States was the most common, followed by Taiwan.The rest came from Italy, France, etc.
-How many Japanese were there?
Takeuchi There were 6 people including myself.
With Frank sensei (Fg)
-Did you enjoy the European atmosphere when there were so few Japanese people?
Takeuchi That's right.There were three Japanese who were studying abroad in each country.There were three people from Japan, but everyone was fluent in English, and when I didn't understand, they taught me.
-Did you have a hard time without an interpreter in the lesson?
Takeuchi: You didn't have any problems with the lessons.It was in English, but even if I was spoken with a difficult word, if I didn't understand it very well, he corrected it to a simple word and spoke slowly, so I didn't have any problems with English. ..
-It was very easy to do.
Takeuchi That's right.
With Teresa (P) sensei
-I think you took two sensei lessons this time. Please tell us about each sensei lesson.First of all, how was Teresa Ehrlich sensei?
Takeuchi Teresa sensei had a look at the Piano Quintet.It was Amy Beach's piano quintet.I was a coach of a group, but he looked at me and told me that I would look at it personally, and he taught me in a private lesson.Theresa sensei is a very kind and warm person.
-How was your lesson?
Takeuchi He taught me very enthusiastically about techniques such as exercise and hand-carrying, and interpretation of songs.It was theoretical and very easy to understand, as he carefully looked at each one.I was refreshed when I was wondering why it didn't work. After being taught by sensei, I feel that my sound (music) has changed to a colorful sound.
-You can suggest how to play, explain and teach.
Takeuchi That's right.
-Is there anything that impresses you with the teachings of sensei?
Takeuchi: It was said, "The sound here is how to bring this feeling."
-Is "how to bring your feelings" throughout the song?
Takeuchi Sometimes it's the whole thing, and basically ... sometimes it's a small unit.
-It feels like you're looking at it in great detail.
Takeuchi That's right.
School courtyard
-The otherFrantisek MarieHow was the way to proceed with sensei?
Marie Takeuchi sensei said, first try playing as you wish.After that, sensei played it.I was asked to give various advice such as how to express it and try it.So I tried it, but I couldn't respond immediately.Still, he patiently took a closer look.It seems that the time for individual lessons is almost fixed. sensei was a very busy person, but when time allowed, he sometimes taught me exactly for about two hours.
-What is your impression of sensei?
Takeuchi It's a calm impression.I'm not fluent in English, and sensei was better off in German than in English, but we both worked hard in English (laughs).But when I can't tell, he plays it.He taught me the speed and timing of pedaling while playing.
-How was the music played by sensei?
Takeuchi: There was an aura (laughs).It's heavy and delicate, but it sounds like it's wrapping around.There was an opening concert, and Marie sensei was also played at that time, but listening to it, all the students became fans.
-What song were you playing at that time?
I think it was Takeuchi Schumann's piano quintet.
-Have you played in the lesson?
Takeuchi Of course there was.First, sensei played it, and then I asked him to do it.
-How was Teresa sensei playing?
Takeuchi: It was refreshing and the sound was clear, but it was a sound that felt human warmth.
-Did the two sensei have different sounds and views of music?
Takeuchi: I can't say anything because the type of song was completely different.But both were great performances.Both of them are very respectable people, both in music, in their attitude toward music, and as human beings.
-Please tell us how difficult and good it was to have multiple sensei see you at the seminar.
Takeuchi This time it was a master class, so the basics were group lessons.I had 4 groups, so it was hard.However, I decided to take a private lesson because it was a great opportunity.I was busy, but I'm glad it was very fulfilling.The chamber music master course does not mean that you have to take individual lessons.It was a form of choosing by myself and receiving it by myself.
-It's up to you.
Takeuchi That's right.
With students
-Did you interact with the chamber music group?
Takeuchi: When I was in the same group, I met lessons and free time.I also ate occasionally.
-Did you practice individually outside of the lessons?
Takeuchi I think there was such a group.I also practiced individually for one of the four songs, Poulenc's song.The bassoon was Japanese, the oboe was American, and I was the other member.
-What language were you speaking when you practiced?
Takeuchi English.I can't speak for so long, so it's a simple conversation, but the other person was okay with English, so when I was in trouble, I asked him to tell me.
-Did you practice while cooperating and interacting?
Takeuchi Poulenc was seen by Marie sensei in the first week, but from the second week, he was taught about Frenchman Frank Lebrois sensei.It was very exciting to learn French music from the French sensei.It was also impressive that he talked passionately about French music.At first, the moment I made one note, I was told that it wasn't a French note, and I could change the way I played and the touch, which was difficult.He tried to add extra lessons in group lessons, and it was a good study with his passionate sensei.
-It was like learning each song from sensei from various countries.
Takeuchi That's right.
-I think there were a lot of difficult songs, but wasn't it difficult to prepare?
Takeuchi It was hard! I was rushed because the time from receiving the song to leaving was short.After I went over there, I was able to practice quite well, so I felt like I was done in the end.
In the practice room
-Where did you practice?
Takeuchi: A practice room was assigned to each training venue.I used the room there.
-How long have you been practicing?
Takeuchi Three people used one practice room.I often heard that the strings and tubes want to practice slowly in the hotel room.In my case, the other two were living in the Czech Republic, so I was given a chance to use the room.It depends on the day, but I practiced for about 3 to 1 hours to about 2 hours on many days.
-How was the facility in the practice room?
There was a piano made by Petrov Takeuchi, and it seems that there was a room that needed tuning.But I was in a very sunny and blessed room on the 4th floor.However, it was hot because I couldn't open the window because it echoed.There was an electric fan, though.
-From what time to what time did you use it?
Takeuchi: I was able to use it from about 8 o'clock in the morning to 9 o'clock in the evening.
-You can practice a lot.
Takeuchi Well, if the room is vacant, you can use it quite well.
Concert at Cesky Krumlov
-What other schedule did you have besides the lessons?
I had the opportunity to play and listen to places other than the training venue, such as Takeuchi Bertramkaso, Brandies Nad Labem, and Cesky Kromlov. I had many opportunities to listen to sensei's concerts, which was a great learning experience.
-What did you see in the opera?
I watched the whole act of Don Giovanni Takeuchi.The people who participated in the class went to see it all together, but the seats were in the second and third rows from the front, so it was a lot longer than before, but it was very close, so it was powerful.
-Did you feel that the stage set was made properly?
It's called the Takeuchi Estate Theater, so it's small, but it was a decent place.
-What was the difference from the opera you go to see in Japan?
Takeuchi: I don't go to see that much in Japan, but it felt like the audience seats and the stage were united, which was fun.
-Did you go sightseeing anywhere else?
Takeuchi: I didn't have much time during the class, so I started sightseeing after the class was over.
Vltava river and castle
-Do you have any recommendations?
Takeuchi Prague Castle.There was a cathedral in the castle, and the stained glass in it was very beautiful and majestic.The place called Cesky Kromlov was also beautiful because the town was like a fairyland.
-How was the security of the city of Prague?
Takeuchi: It was safe and I didn't feel scared.It was written in the guidebook that Prague was getting worse and worse, but it wasn't so, and all of them were kind people.
-You have been kind to me.
Takeuchi: Everyone treated me with a smile (laughs).By the way, after the concert at night, I went back by bus with Japanese students, got over the bus stop where I had to get off, and got off two ahead.From there, they are both lost.For those who happened to be taking a walk with a dog at that time.He seemed to feel that he was in trouble, and he taught me the way.It was Czech-style English, so I couldn't hear it well.After all, he wrote the map and the name of the bus stop on a piece of paper with a pen and told me.When you get on the bus, show the conductor this paper and ask him to stay at your destination.
Exterior of the hotel
-What was the hotel like?
Takeuchi It was a neat and clean place.
-How was your meal?
Takeuchi The morning was a buffet. It was from 7 o'clock, so I was able to go to school with plenty of time.
-Did you feel comfortable?
Takeuchi: Well, I can't say that I'm not dissatisfied.
-Was it a single room?
I used the Takeuchi Twin room alone.
-Then, did you use it widely?
Takeuchi: It feels very wide.
-Is there anything you should bring with you?
Takeuchi There were no amenity goods.There is no such thing as a pot to boil water, so if you want to drink something warm, you can prepare it.Another thing you should definitely have is the "bookbinding tape".I often change or add songs after I go over there, but the score is copied in A4 size.It seems that there are not many other sizes.I didn't see any cellophane tape in the shops around, so it's convenient to have it.
Lunch example ...
-Did you eat out?
Takeuchi: I did it occasionally at night.I had lunch in the cafeteria, and I had to choose from three types every day.
-I'm looking forward to it
Takeuchi That's right.
-What kind of menu was it?
Takeuchi Lunch is basically a meat dish, and the side dish is pasta, rice (Thai rice), or potatoes.The taste was a little dark or light, but it was okay.I was surprised because it was up to the salad bar.There were restaurants around the training venue and the hotel.
-How much was the price?
Takeuchi You can eat one meal in Japanese yen for a little over XNUMX yen, but it's so voluminous that you'll be full.
-Did you go out to eat or interact with other students?
Takeuchi I sometimes went there if the timing was right.
-Did you make friends by studying abroad this time?
Takeuchi Yes, that's right.Thank you for your kindness and I keep in touch even after returning to Japan.
-where are you from?
Takeuchi I'm from France.
With Eduardo sensei (Vc)
-Are there any tips for getting along with people from overseas?
Takeuchi: I think it's about talking positively from yourself.I think you should have a conversation with a smile.
-Smile seems important, doesn't it?
Takeuchi That's right.
-How did you move between your accommodation and the lesson venue?
Takeuchi: It's only about 600 meters, so it took less than 10 minutes to walk.
-I heard that there was graffiti near the venue and I was scared ...
There were many graffiti around the Takeuchi training venue.Not many if you go to the center of Prague.It's similar to the feeling that there are many graffiti that you often see in Japan.There were also many dog poops.
At Metro Flora Station
-You got a traffic pass from the class, right?
Takeuchi: I received something like a simple ID card and a transportation commuter pass.This is a common ticket for subways, trams, and buses.The bus came on time and I used it a lot because it was rather convenient.
-How was the subway?
Takeuchi: When I got off the subway platform, it was an escalator, but it was very long and sudden.I was confused because the speed was unprecedented in Japan.
-I'm scared when I'm tired.
Takeuchi I think you'll be a little surprised.After that, it was okay because we used the regular schedule, but in the tram, we often inspected in tourist areas.Apparently, I was targeting tourists for inspection.
-Have you been inspected?
Prague city tram
Takeuchi Yes.I met an inspection while I was going to the area around Prague Castle.At first glance, I thought it was an ordinary person, wearing a dark blue polo shirt and dark blue pants.
-I think there was a concert during the class, but which song did you play at the concert?
Takeuchi I was allowed to release it in all the groups, so I released it in 4 songs.
-Did you perform at the concert?
Takeuchi: It feels like you've been invited to one of the concerts.
-What kind of place was the venue?
There was also the Takeuchi Music School Hall, there was a town hall, and there were times when I was allowed to perform at Bertramka-so.When Bertramka, I played Vivaldi's song.
-This is the song you got after you went to Prague.
Takeuchi That's right.I arranged it a little and played it on vocals, oboe, bassoon, and harpsichord.
Playing at Bertramka
-How was it playing in a different place than a normal hall?
Takeuchi The sound of the sound was completely different.It's not such a big place, it's like a salon, so it's not easy to play in that kind of place in Japan, so it was refreshing.
-Have you changed anything while studying abroad?
Takeuchi There is nothing in particular.Since the Czech Republic has joined the EU, I was wondering if the euro could be used.Almost only Koruna could be used around the school and in the town.I also have a vending machine in the school, but I can only use coins.It was inconvenient when I only had a bill.
-Did you have any problems with your schedule?
Takeuchi I didn't have any problems.
-I hear that you were in trouble because you didn't know in advance about the lectures in Europe, unlike in Japan. How was that?
Takeuchi: Before I went over there, I was worried because there were many things I didn't know in advance.The schedule is often changed, but it will be posted on the bulletin board each time, so if I checked it, I didn't have any problems.
With a Taiwanese singer
-Are there any moments when you were happy to attend the seminar this time?
Takeuchi: I was physically tough, but when I finished, I felt like I was done.Group lessons and solo lessons were substantial, so that was really good.And it is an encounter with wonderful teachers and students.I was able to learn music widely and deeply, and had a really happy time.
-Are there any points that you think you have grown up from studying abroad this time?
Takeuchi: It's easygoing in a good way (laughs).Until now, I had a slight feeling that I couldn't do it as usual while playing.However, even with such a thing, I came to think that it would be nice if there was a flow throughout.
-You can't have that kind of feeling unless you have strong mental strength.
Takeuchi That's right.
-Did your outlook on music grow?
How about Takeuchi?
Teen church
-Are there any other differences?
Takeuchi: What was often said in group lessons was to look at each other, listen to them, feel them, and breathe together.We were just going to do it.Since then, I have been more conscious of it than ever before, and I tried to feel each other and play.Then, at a certain concert, when the performance was over, there was a moment when I felt like I was in a good mood with everyone, and I was able to experience a different feeling of comfort.
-Do you think it was a matter of consciousness that you could do that?
Takeuchi How was it (laughs)?Is it just one feeling?
-Are there any major differences from what you have been studying in Japan?
Takeuchi: The direction I've been studying in Japan may not have been so different.Is it a feeling that it is an extension of what has been done so far?However, I thought the audience was different.In Japan, there is usually a slightly tingling atmosphere.The other side is very easygoing, it feels warm.Even a performer who didn't know at all had an atmosphere that accepted and felt any performance.
-Did the applause and cheers differ?
Takeuchi: Applause called me back again, Bravo.That's not often the case in Japan.Although I was wondering "Why?" (Laughs), I was very grateful.
In the waiting room
-Are you listening to the students?
Takeuchi: In addition to the students, I think there were probably ordinary people as well.
-These people also feel laid back with music.
Takeuchi: Maybe music is close at hand.
-I'm glad it was a good land.
Takeuchi That's right.It has abundant greenery, mountains and rivers, and many slopes, so I thought it was similar to Japan.
-Please give some advice to those who are thinking of studying abroad in the future.
Takeuchi: I think it's best to have a firm grasp of what you're coming to do and what kind of music you want to play.
-You should have a solid goal.
Takeuchi: I think that's more to gain.Also, if you actively work on your own rather than being passive, I think there will be many things that will come back.It's an opportunity to leave Japan and study, so I think it's a good idea to experience a lot and come back.
Cesky Krumlov
-So that's it.So is there anything I should do before studying abroad?
Takeuchi It's definitely a language.Even if I can't talk much, I can manage it, but if I can talk, I can talk more deeply, so I think it's better to talk.Then, practice well anyway.If you go over there, the environment will change, so it's difficult to calm down and practice.If you practice hard, you will be able to teach us something deeper.So, I think it's better to practice well.
-Finally, please tell us your plans for future activities.
Takeuchi: Right now, I'm playing chorus accompaniment, and I'm also playing, so I'm thinking of continuing that.If I have a chance, I would like to be able to participate in such a short-term course again.
-Do you want to continue playing music for the rest of your life?
Takeuchi Yes.
-Thank you very much today.
Book a Counseling