I'm in a bind here. My son (16) has been taking intensive piano lessons for several years, and now has announced to me that he'd prefer to attend a music or performing arts school full-time, rather than spend any more time in high school or college. His music teacher, whom I trust, agrees that this is a good thing to do. The problem is, we live in Japan and I have no idea of what his options are. I'd rather not send him away from this country. He's bilingual, but not completely literate in Japanese. Any suggestions or advice?

If you can read/write Japanese and have Japanese language capability on your computer:

You can get an information about Music Universities and Music Schools on Yahoo Japan easily. You can open the home pages with keywords ONGAKU DAIGAKU for Music Universities and ONGAKU GAKKOU for Music Schools.

Has anyone tried Shimamura music salons for music lessons? Or perhaps some other music chain that they might have positive things to say about?http://www.shimamura.co.jp/english/

I haven't used this program but I have used a company called MIC for private music lessons for my children. Teachers at MIC speak English (and sometimes other languages) with varying degrees of expertise. You can contact Max Shimizu at maxshimizu@mic-tokyo.co.jp or I think this phone number is still current 0120-208767
Jill

From very young on up to adults:

Pretty good summary of the Yamaha Music curriculum in English: http://www.musicstaff.com/lounge/article55.asp
Japan web site in English http://www.yamaha-mf.or.jp/english/activity/act/act4.html
There are about 10 Yamaha centers in Japan. The one in Tokyo: 3-24-22, Shimo-Meguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8666 Japan http://www.yamaha-mf.or.jp/ the info on locations and classes seems to be available only in Japanese.

The Kawai Music School system: http://www.kawai.co.jp/school/music/index.html (Japanese only)
Head office in Tokyo (Kanto) Area tel: 03-3379-2221

Azabu Music Together - Friends & Family Day / Spring & Summer Classes in Kichijoji & Roppongi

[Open House and Free Sample Music Class]
You're invited to come and experience a free class!
Azabu Music Together invites parents or other caregivers and their infants, toddlers, and preschool children and their friends and families to experience a free class at our "Friends and Family Day" event the last week of March.
Class size is limited, so please RSVP.
For details on dates/times, please e-mail us at admin@azabumusictogether.com

Ongoing Classes: Spring & Summer Semesters
Azabu Music Together is currently accepting registrations for the Spring 2008 Term.
Classes are held near Roppongi Hills/Azabu and in Kichijoji.
Spring Term will begin from April 7th and continue for 10 weeks. Registration deadline for Spring semester is March 31st.

We'll also be offering Summer Classes in July and August at Music Together this year. For more information, please e-mail us at info@azabumusictogether.com

For more information on class schedules and registration information please visit our website at http://www.azabumusictogether.com/register.htm

Music & Movement classes for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the grownups who love them
in Shimokitazawa(Setagaya)& Meguro(JR Yamanote line's station)!

Our classes offer

* Research based music program for young
children(age 0-5)
* Specially trained music teacher
* Parents and caregivers involvement
* A lot of FUN

Making Music is a wonderful thing!

If you have any questions or would like to reserve your place in a FREE demo class,
please don't hesitate to contact us.

Denise
Enjoy Music Together
info@enjoymusictogether.com
www.enjoymusictogether.com