Yuka ODERA / Piano / Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris / Paris, France

We will ask you about music colleges, music colleges, music classroom course programs, local living 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.
 
Yuka ODERA
Born in Tokyo. Started playing the piano at the age of four.While enrolled in the Music High School attached to the Faculty of Music, Tokyo University of the Arts, he will perform solo and chamber music concerts in Tokyo. After graduating from high school in 2004, worked for a stringed instrument dealer dealing with violin and cello. In 2005, he met his current teacher, Professor Patrick Zigmanovsky, and went to France.Currently enrolled in the piano department of the Paris Ecole Normal Conservatory.
(Interview October 2005)

Kodera The opportunity was to meet the current master.

Kodera I took a public lesson this summer and met there.That was the trigger.After the lesson, I was in contact with sensei by e-mail, and forgiveness came out in early September.

It took less than a month to issue the Kodera visa because I started preparing it in a hurry after getting permission from sensei.

Kodera Ecole Normal is a little special in the exam, and plays two arbitrary songs in front of the director.Of different times.Upon hearing that, the director decides the level (class) of the student to enroll.So it won't fall.
 
At a liquor store in Paris
Kodera You're not doing anything.I suddenly decided to study abroad, so I was desperate to prepare.I was convinced that I could do something if I went.It will be difficult from now on.I can speak English a little, so I have sensei teach me lessons in English. Because sensei speaks French and English.There is no problem, but French people basically speak only French ...

Kodera Yes.My sensei is special.I don't think it makes sense because I can't communicate with anything.    

Kodera I'm struggling while looking up the dictionary myself, but most of the time I rely on my friends.Just recently, my name was about to be removed from my student registration due to delays in submitting documents and tuition fees.You really helped me at that time.This procedure doesn't go on time, I forgot it, or something like that.And when I was sloppy with it, I suddenly warned me that my registration would be deleted.Feel like you can transfer the tuition fee early.I think it's pretty tough on money, but it's a very foreign-friendly school.

Kodera Lessons are basically once a week. If sensei is too busy to try it, he will put it in twice the next week and adjust the book.

Kodera It depends on the person.Of course, it is the same as exchanging opinions, but after all I think that the capacity of the video in the performance is wide.

Kodera I started to enjoy studying. First of all, the expression that sensei makes is interesting.
I think it is a characteristic of foreigner sensei that the sense of rhythm clings to the body, but if there is a rhythm called Tatattatta of Chopin's hero Polonaise, for example, he will step and dance.I'm making a noise next to me. If you do it next to me, I get an image of it.You can feel it smoothly with your body without thinking with your head.

Kodera Yes.Chamber music, music analysis, solfege, first look, etc.However, some people go to school only with practical skills, while others take music lessons properly.
 
Enrolled in the Ecole Normal Conservatory
Kodera No, I bought a piano.There are quite a few people who rent it or buy a piano for someone who sells the piano and returns home.Also rental.I don't know how long I want to stay in France and how long I'll stay here, so I bought it because I might pay for it.I got it bought! (Lol).

Kodera No.No. It's not possible to play music.There is almost no place in this apartment where you can make sound.After all, there are many problems with neighbors, and even if it is stated in the property information magazine that it is possible to make sound, it is actually the neighbor who permits sound, so I think it is difficult to negotiate with the neighbor and determine the property. ..At first, I asked the landlord that it was possible to make a sound, but I moved in, but my neighbor complained and it was no good.Now I'm practicing using a silent piano.Headphones only.

Kodera It was hard.Fortunately, I was in trouble, but fortunately I was asked to rent an apartment I knew, and the rest was tonton.The property was decided while I was in Japan, but due to real estate, I suddenly moved in from November, so I was taken care of by my friends from the time I moved to France until the day I moved in.    

Kodera You're Asian.There are many Japanese people in particular.Not only French, but also Chinese, Korean, British, American and so on.Normal is a school with many foreigners.


Kodera Sometimes it happens.But it's mostly French, so I'm desperate.There are many aspects that I have managed to save in English, but when I actually live, I can't read French and I can't talk to non-Japanese people, so I'm thinking of studying French seriously.When I have time, I would like to go back to both the language school and the Ecole Normal.

Kodera There are days when I don't do it at all.When I'm motivated, I always go to the piano except for the bathroom.I can't make it in time.It takes until just before the lesson.

Kodera: Did you practice?If you answer the answer, you can understand it without answering!I'm surprised to hear that.

Kodera: I think there are many opportunities for students to do things outside the university. People who get good grades in the exams are given recitals, and student concerts are often held, which is very lively.

Kodera On days when there is nothing, I play with my PC, study a language, and when I'm done, I kidnap the piano.Basically, it's night every day.Our environment is a lively bar on the lower floors from midnight to morning, so when it's noisy, I wear headphones and kidnap the piano.It's been half a day since the lessons are sometimes group lessons.

Kodera Everyone listens to the lessons they take.After that, sensei asks questions to the listening students and discusses their opinions.It's like listening to people and studying.

Kodera It's different for those who are motivated and those who are not.After all, people who are doing their best actively follow sensei and argue or give their own opinions.It's a form of trying what you're worried about.

Kodera Yes.I wanted to be vague, but I wasn't sure what to do, so that was the trigger.It costs money to continue playing music, and I had to think about various things, so I worked for an acquaintance and took a break from the piano for about a year and a half.

Kodera I can't say anything because I don't know what the situation will be like, but if possible, I would like to set up a base here and experience various things that I can do.In addition to solo, I would like to improve my skills in chamber music and accompaniment.To be able to respond flexibly.
 
Shopping at a supermarket in Paris
Kodera: You're mentally tougher than before.Until now, I was in Japan and lived in my parents' house, so I was spoiled.When I was in my home country, I wasn't shocked by cultural differences, I didn't feel the language barrier, and I didn't have any trouble just living.After studying abroad, I am studying abroad.I have come to take responsibility for my position.Also, the sense of values ​​will change.French people are loose and have different temperaments, so I have to accept that.

Kodera That's right.Because there are many people who are loose and have an unusually high pride in themselves.The most important thing I really wanted you to forgive me was the admission procedure. When I applied, I had a temporary admission permit sent by the school, but I couldn't come even after waiting for 3 or 4 weeks.Without it, I couldn't apply for a visa, so when I contacted the school, I was told that I hadn't received the application.After that, when I was making a persistent request, it seemed that I finally remembered it, and the reply was "Oh, I forgot! I'll send it now."I was in great trouble.After all, it was over the admission period.However, I got permission because I was a foreigner and I felt that it was not related to my visa.

Kodera It's a very old and historic building. And it's a school founded and produced by world-famous musicians.There is no age limit for admission, so children and adults alike.In that sense, there is no wall for those who want to study.For example, the Paris National Conservatory has an early age limit.By the way, I'm already over.Certainly, at the beginning of enrollment, I think that I could not enroll unless I was under 21 years old.

Kodera is perfect. Unless sensei goes somewhere.

There is a small temple.That is the life of contact with sensei.I have to make frequent contacts with sensei, which I have when studying abroad.I went to a school where there was a sensei I wanted to attend, but that sensei was supposed to teach at a school in a different country that year, so it's possible that they would pass each other.

Kodera That's right.I always thought that nothing would happen unless I did it from here. I hear that you were called by sensei to study abroad, but if you don't have the motivation of the students themselves, you won't be able to call sensei either. If you also call sensei, you have to take some care, which is troublesome.Of course, if you show your motivation, they will be happy.

Kodera That's right.When I came to a foreign country, I got the impression that Japanese people tend to be a little reluctant.This person is too strong for me to pull.Overkill?I came to feel that it was just right.

Kodera Unlike Japan, things don't go smoothly, so go ahead with the procedure.I think you should act positively without waiting.After that, there is no point in studying abroad without a proper purpose, so think carefully about what you want to study abroad for.There are risks and temptations.I think it's important to be solid in yourself so that you don't disappoint the expectations of those around you who support you.