Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Akiko Aoki
F E A T U R E
Interview with Akiko Aoki
How old was it when you first learned to play an instrument?
My first instrument was the organ, and I started playing it at the age of 5. Around the same age, I started singing and really enjoyed it.
How often did you practice when you were a kid, and have your practice habits changed since you became a professional?
I don't know if I could call it “practice” per se, but I sang every single day when I was a kid. I never got bored of it! My favorite time of the day was when I’d sing in the bathroom while taking a bath at night. Because the acoustics were so great in the bathroom, it made it sound like I was using a microphone, and I really loved that. My mom used to be so embarrassed when my neighbors would tell her that I sounded great in the bathroom. After becoming a professional, however, I started maintaining my voice very carefully. For example, I try to drink a lot of water, get a good night’s sleep, etc... I also do breathing exercises and vocalize frequently, especially before lessons or gigs. I mainly focus on preparation for upcoming gigs (going over the repertoire, learning the new songs, etc.). I also try to grab a video or a voice memo of each performance. I have to try to learn something new each time.
Do you have a memorable performance?
I have a couple. One was back in the 80s, the time I got a call from a talent TV audition show.
I was only 17 years old, but I will never forget the excitement I felt singing on a big stage with spotlights on live television.
The second is more recent. This past summer, I went on a tour in Japan promoting my new jazz album, “Pure Imagination.” It was a great turnout with a lively crowd at each venue, full of family and old friends. One performance of the song “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin, which I included in the album and the tour, was particularly memorable. I got a comment from one of the audience members after my daughter and I sang it as a duet, saying that she was so encouraged and brought to tears by it. She told me that the song gave her hope to live. At that moment, I felt that the tenacious efforts I put into music were truly worth it.
What do you hope students of today discover in music today?
I want them to cherish their heart that loves the music. I want them to remember the excitement they feel when they pick up the instruments or sing, first, before anything else. As the students get older, I know that many challenges await them. Practice is the requirement to overcome them and get better. They may find themselves under pressure or doubt when it feels like they are not improving or feeling hopeless comparing themselves to others. But I want to urge them to keep moving forward, even in baby steps. Students, please stick with your music instinct! And when you improve on your own, try to do it with others in bands or an orchestra. Inspire each other and share your talent. Then perform in front of people. It really doesn't matter how small or big your stage is. Try to share your music. That's your contribution to society.
What instruments would you choose if you could turn back and start fresh?
I would pick up the guitar - (actually I played it when I was a teenager) so that I can play guitar and sing like Taylor Swift!!
Learn more about Akiko on her Teacher Page.
My first instrument was the organ, and I started playing it at the age of 5. Around the same age, I started singing and really enjoyed it.
How often did you practice when you were a kid, and have your practice habits changed since you became a professional?
I don't know if I could call it “practice” per se, but I sang every single day when I was a kid. I never got bored of it! My favorite time of the day was when I’d sing in the bathroom while taking a bath at night. Because the acoustics were so great in the bathroom, it made it sound like I was using a microphone, and I really loved that. My mom used to be so embarrassed when my neighbors would tell her that I sounded great in the bathroom. After becoming a professional, however, I started maintaining my voice very carefully. For example, I try to drink a lot of water, get a good night’s sleep, etc... I also do breathing exercises and vocalize frequently, especially before lessons or gigs. I mainly focus on preparation for upcoming gigs (going over the repertoire, learning the new songs, etc.). I also try to grab a video or a voice memo of each performance. I have to try to learn something new each time.
Do you have a memorable performance?
I have a couple. One was back in the 80s, the time I got a call from a talent TV audition show.
I was only 17 years old, but I will never forget the excitement I felt singing on a big stage with spotlights on live television.
The second is more recent. This past summer, I went on a tour in Japan promoting my new jazz album, “Pure Imagination.” It was a great turnout with a lively crowd at each venue, full of family and old friends. One performance of the song “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin, which I included in the album and the tour, was particularly memorable. I got a comment from one of the audience members after my daughter and I sang it as a duet, saying that she was so encouraged and brought to tears by it. She told me that the song gave her hope to live. At that moment, I felt that the tenacious efforts I put into music were truly worth it.
What do you hope students of today discover in music today?
I want them to cherish their heart that loves the music. I want them to remember the excitement they feel when they pick up the instruments or sing, first, before anything else. As the students get older, I know that many challenges await them. Practice is the requirement to overcome them and get better. They may find themselves under pressure or doubt when it feels like they are not improving or feeling hopeless comparing themselves to others. But I want to urge them to keep moving forward, even in baby steps. Students, please stick with your music instinct! And when you improve on your own, try to do it with others in bands or an orchestra. Inspire each other and share your talent. Then perform in front of people. It really doesn't matter how small or big your stage is. Try to share your music. That's your contribution to society.
What instruments would you choose if you could turn back and start fresh?
I would pick up the guitar - (actually I played it when I was a teenager) so that I can play guitar and sing like Taylor Swift!!
Learn more about Akiko on her Teacher Page.