This semester I took one on one shamisen lessons once a week from Kurahashi-Sensei. Throughout the semester, I learned a lot of different techniques and a completely new style of reading music. At the end, I was able to play a duet with my sensei on the koto, which was really rewarding.

Despite having some previous experience with other instruments, it was my first time learning a string instrument. I’m glad I got to go through learning a new instrument over again, while picking up little bits of Japanese culture along the way through the friendly conversational environment with Kurahashi-Sensei and her family. 

If I had to give advice it would be to feel free to try something new. I remember that I was super nervous about learning a new instrument in a foreign language, but I’m really glad I went through with it. Lessons with my sensei made for an amazing opportunity to learn a lot about Japanese music, and discover another side of Japanese culture that I hadn’t seen before.