My Students’ stories
Oscar
“One of the most valuable things Miki does during our classes lies in the small things. Such as telling me how to put my fingers differently, which helps me play without tension. Or her constant reminders of how to control my breath and the space in my mouth to create an even deeper and richer tone.”
Michael
“I have always loved instrumental music, and in the past, I have tried to pick up various instruments such as the piano, guitar, and even an ocarina. I tried lessons and purchased books for each one of these instruments at the time, but they just never became something that I genuinely stuck with.
Fast forward to today, I stumbled across Miki Sensei's work with the shinobue while researching traditional Japanese instruments. I have since been playing the shinobue for over a year now, and my playing has not only been fun and consistent but my skill and technique are leaps and bounds from where I was when I first picked up my shinobue.
I can attest that this is all due to Miki Sensei's genuine passion for this instrument and the abundant resources she has provided the community and me. Miki Sensei's weekly newsletters, regular YouTube content, sheet music, and her online lessons were the multi-faceted approach I needed for this instrument to become an obtainable and consistent journey for me.
I would have never dreamed that I would have the skill and courage to play an instrument in front of an audience, but due to Miki Sensei's enthusiasm and help, I have been performing at local nursing homes after just a few months of lessons!”
Boris
“Miki is a passionate, honest and friendly educator with profound musical and teaching talent. I came across her YouTube channel when I was surfing on the internet for music from Xenoblade 3. Impressed and inspired by her work, I approached her regarding shinobue lessons (web-format via Zoom). Without any prior experience / training in music, it has been a steep learning curve for me, but she has been nothing but supportive and patient. Sharing her own learning experiences with me, I am constantly reminded that everyone needs to start somewhere, which made my journey less daunting. Her lessons have always been fun and relaxed, while providing constructive and helpful feedback. Being in completely different time-zones, not only do we have a 8 hour gap to overcome, but I also have a busy/ever-changing schedule. However, she has always been communicative, flexible and easy-going. Organising and coordinating lessons have always been a stress-free experience.
With her extensive teaching experience, Miki is also able to explain complex things in a manner, that is digestible and easy to understand. She is engaging and tailors her lessons according to the student´s interests and needs. She kept me motivated by teaching me songs that I personally like and want to learn. After learning from her just over a short few months, I am already able to halfway play the shinobue and understand some basics of music like rhythm and symbolic representations in music sheets. With her skilful guidance and eye/ears for detail, I have been able to make constant progress with the shinobue. Thank you very much, Miki-sensei!
She is also committed to spreading the traditional Japanese art of shinobue to a wider audience. Through doing amazing covers with and accurately transcribing songs/pieces from popular culture (anime and video games etc) into music sheets for the shinobue, she popularises shinobue and makes it more relatable and appealing to younger generations. I am often amazed by how quickly and diligently she transforms modern music into pieces that can be played on the shinobue. If you are interested in learning music and/or the beautiful art of the shinobue, I strongly recommend you lessons with Miki-sensei.”
(From Google Reviews)
Terry (Age 70)
“Can an old dog learn new tricks…with the right teacher – Yes! While I have an extensive background in classical piano, I thought, this should be easy. Starting with a plastic Shinobue and some YouTube videos, I was finally able to make some sounds. Having zero experience with wind instruments, I could play three notes before I was out of breath and those three notes really did not sound very good.
Frustrated, I sought out Miki Sensei and now, a few short months later, the improvement is 1,000 fold. Enjoyable exercises to learn to breath control, much improved finger position and posture, my tone is pleasant. I can now play entire phrases in one controlled breath and I am getting a grasp of the upper octave. With Miki Sensei’s recommendation I have the Tsugaru Bue set and my first Shoji Shinobue is on its way. What difference quality instruments make!
This 70 year old dog is not quite ready for the stage yet, but I do hope this time next year I will be able to perform with my Taiko group. Thanks Miki Sensei…you’re the best!”