Toho Gakuen School of Music

What you'll study

Core practical and seminar work is oriented to ensemble performance and musical analysis. The programme requires two years of "領域実技" (specialised practical study) to prepare students for independent activity, and a compulsory "総合演習" (comprehensive seminar) that trains analytical skills through presentations and peer discussion. Stage experience is assessed by a first-year midterm presentation and a second-year final graduation recital. For completion, students must submit either a research report or a master's thesis; many students opt for a thesis with faculty guidance.

Entry requirements

On admission applicants select an instrument and ensemble formation. Instruments listed for the course are piano, violin, viola and cello; ensemble formations include piano-and-strings duos, string trios, string quartets, piano trios, piano quartets, piano duo and piano accompaniment. The programme builds on bachelor-level musical education.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers as professional chamber musicians and accompanists, and for further academic study. The curriculums combination of intensive ensemble coaching, performance practice and research training supports work in freelance performance, ensemble membership, teaching and doctoral study in music.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The course page does not specify scholarships. Prospective students should enquire with the school about performance awards, departmental scholarships or external grants for postgraduate musicians and consider funding tied to performance or research support.

Selected teaching staff

• Chamber music (duos etc.): Professors Kazune Shimizu, Ryoji Ariyoshi; Associate Professor Yoshine Numazawa; Visiting Professors Emanuel Rimoldi, Mion Minami
• Piano duo: Professor Tsunehito Nakai; Associate Professor Shinichiro Kato; Visiting lecturers Hisano Ishioka, Miwako Takeda
• String quartet coaching: visiting staff including Atsushi Awatsu, Hajime Otomo, Yuka Nishino, Yukiko Yoshida