Koto Youth (13-17) Workshop

The koto, a traditional Japanese string instrument, originated in China during the eighth century as part of gagaku court music. It became prominent in temple ceremonies by the thirteenth century and was later transformed into an art form for broader audiences through the innovations of blind musician Yatsuhashi Kengy in the seventeenth century. During Japans Meiji era, Western musical influences reshaped koto performance styles. Composer Miyagi Michio blended traditional techniques with Western elements to create a new Japanese musical style; his work Haru no Umi remains a celebrated piece played during New Year celebrations.To play the koto: the thumb plucks strings from the side nearest the player toward the opposite end, while the index and middle fingers pluck from the far side toward the player. The left hand presses the strings on the bridge area to alter pitch.This workshop series includes two tracks: an introductory youth class for ages thirteen through seventeen (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and an introductory adult class for eighteen and older (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.). Youth tickets cost $100 for members or $120 for non-members; adult tickets are $120 for members or $140 for non-members. Please note that instruction is conducted primarily in Japanese.