OTONOKI Music School English

Welcome to OTONOKI Music School

At OTONOKI Music School, we are dedicated to nurturing musical talents and fostering a deep appreciation for music. With over a decade of teaching experience in North London, we relocated to Japan in January 2023 and now offer in-person lessons in Nagoya and Fukui.

Our Locations

  • Nagoya Studio: Conveniently located in Chikusa Ward, just a 3-minute walk from Ikeshita Station on the Nagoya City Subway Higashiyama Line. It’s also within walking distance from Kakuozan and Imaike Stations.

  • Fukui Studio: Situated in the serene city of Fukui.

Courses We Offer

  • Instrument Lessons: Piano, Guitar (Classical/Acoustic/Electric), and Ukulele.
  • Music Theory and Aural Training: Enhance your understanding and overall musical skills. Our music theory lessons are structured around the ABRSM syllabus, utilizing official textbooks to ensure comprehensive preparation for examinations.

Online Lessons

We provide online lessons accessible to students worldwide, accommodating various time zones, including late-night sessions Japan time. Our students hail from countries such as the UK, Japan, Italy, Singapore, and the USA.

Exam Preparation

Our experienced instructors offer comprehensive guidance for ABRSM and Trinity College London examinations, as well as support for secondary school music entrance exams.

Bilingual Instruction

Lessons are available in both English and Japanese, tailored to your language preference.

Meet Our Instructors

  • Ayumi Toyama: Beginning piano at the age of four, Ayumi studied under esteemed teachers including Piero Quaglia, Alexander Boyd, Tsuneko Ozu, Atsuko Kawaguchi, Naoshiro Kato, and Mieko Kato. At 17, she moved to the United States to attend the University of Colorado Boulder. After graduation, she returned to Japan to teach piano in Nagoya before establishing the New York branch of her father’s music agency. In 2003, Ayumi relocated to the UK, founding OTONOKI Music School, and continues to serve as a piano instructor and accompanist.

  • Ryusuke Koarashi: Ryusuke studied guitar under Keigo Fujii and Robert Brightmore, and composition with Paul Newland. He also learned harmony and counterpoint from Daniel Schroyens and Alessandro Timossi. Since around 2000, he has been actively performing across various genres, including pop, jazz, and classical. In 2010, his compositions “Hotaru” and “Ame no Shita ni” were commissioned by the contemporary music group [rout] and premiered in London by Okeanos. Ryusuke studied electric guitar at Koyo Conservatory of Music and classical guitar at Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Contact Us for a Trial Lesson

We welcome prospective students to experience a trial lesson. Please reach out through our contact form to schedule your session.

Join us at OTONOKI Music School to embark on your musical journey today!