Kaori Osumi's music background
大HOME ジャズピアノ教室＞筆者 profile
I was born in Japan, and began learning classical
piano at the age of five. From almost the
beginning, I had perfect pitch, and could
copy and play music without music theory.
In fact, I discovered or figured out a lot
of music theory and laws on my own, including
12 scales and the cycle of fifth and fourth.I
played sonatinas, and sonatas changing various
keys, and enjoying modulation from an early
age. Although I was not at the top of my
class, my perfect pitch, comprehension of
music theory, and the ability to compose
music were considered excellent by my teachers.
Until the age of seventeen, I had not been
exposed to any other musical genre except
classical, such as Beethoven, Mozart, and
so on.In Japan, piano and almost all music
education use only classical music, especially
from Germany, as the basis for learning as
this music is considered superior to all
others.
At seventeen, I was exposed to and became
interested in various kinds of music such
as jazz, rock, popular and other so-called
light music styles after hearing the music
of Richard Clayderman. Unfortunately, my
parents did not approve of this type of music
so my exposure was limited.When I entered
university with a major in chemistry, my
parents stopped my music lessons so that
I would focus entirely on my university studies,and
I had to study very hard.
After I graduated from university, I became
a computer programmer. This job was very
demanding with long hours, so I still could
not spend time on my music. This continued
for several years, and, then at twenty-eight,
I truly understood that music, especially
jazz, was my life’s vocation.The timing
was right as the next year I got married,
and was able to resign from my job, and concentrate
on my music. I taught myself how to play
jazz, and when my husband’s company transferred
us to Sydney,Australia from December, 1993
until March, 1999, I found opportunities
to play in public. I played jazz or rock
at nursing homes, and I taught jazz piano
to adult students.
When we returned to Japan, I continued to
play in community centres, and to participants
in JICA, as well as to teach jazz piano.
I was happy to volunteer, and to teach private
lessons, but these didn’t satisfy my need
to play real jazz with serious fellow musicians
in front of an audience.
I met a lady who is a jazz piano teacher,
and, after hearing me play, she recommended
that I join jam sessions in bars for more
experience. Soon after, in November of 2004,
we were transferred to Canada, but I don’t
know where to find such places. Also it seemed
that joining a group of serious musicians
is more appealing to me. I am looking for
such a group, especially in Mississauga.
Please let me know, if you want to play with
me.
Sincerely,
Kaori Osumi
