Berklee College of Music alumni from Japan offering piano, voice and songwriting lessons in London!

Find out more about Utako

• When did you first develop a passion for music and your favourite instrument?

  My mother told me that I used to ask her for a song for every single stuff like "Mom, is there a song about Moon?" and I was singing it since I was 10 months old.
  I just loved feeling and hearing my voice go out of my mouth and melting into the sky.

• Is there a particular type music or artist that you listen to on a loop without it driving you crazy?

  All the time! My family hates me for it.
  My long time heavy rotation is "Make Me Lovely" by Laura Mvula (especially with Metropole Orkest version)
  My current heavy rotation is "Desert Song" by säje

• Explain to us the most difficult or riveting course you could personally give to a student of music.

  Songwriting can be the most difficult but riveting course that could personally give to a student of music, because it's closely related with finding own inner voice.

• What do you think is the most complicated instrument to master and why?

  Voice. Because there is never the same instruments in the world. Each voice is different and moreover, we have to use our ears fully to develop it as compare to for example, Piano which students can learn to play by watching where to press, how to press the keys.

• What are your keys to success?

  Enjoy small steps and be patient. Try to make new mistakes instead of being afraid of making mistakes.

• Name three musicians you dream of meeting in your favourite bar in the early hours of the morning. Explain why.

  I fortunately already have performed as a part of his choir member but Jacob Collier! I love his music and the way he thinks and approach music. He is kind, humble and so inspiring both as a musician and as a person.
  It's impossible but John Lennon is the musician that I would have loved to talked to. He inspires me a lot because of not just his music but also what he did through music. I'm a dreamer and believer of world peace and I hope I can contribute to the society through my music.
  As a composer, I'd love to meet John Williams and ask how he came up with those amazing songs. I'm sure he hears the sound in him before he writes it. I want to ask what he does for the process. If he meditates, takes nap, drives or take showers..!

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to music or your days at music school.

  Because of the technology, we can see what's going on on the other side of the globe within a click. But I used to scroll the "World News" and falling asleep during the history class.
  It changed after I went to Berklee College of Music - where musicians from all over the world come and learn and make music together. It's like a United Nation in music.
  By making friends from all over the world through music, I realised about universality and diversity of humanity and music. Now I can't scroll through the world news without thinking about my friends and their family.
  Our moral needs to catch up and I believe music helps bring us together.

• What are the little touches that make you a Superprof in music?

  I love both people and music. Seeing them grow is my joy!