- Acknowledge the "fear" and "anxiety" that come with the major decision of studying music abroad, while transforming them into anticipation for "new experiences"
- Write down your "ideal vision" of what kind of bassoonist you want to become in the future, then reverse-engineer the actions you need to take now
- Trust the principle that "once you go, it turns out fine," and understand the value of "taking action" rather than overthinking
- Before committing to a full study-abroad program, take a "step-by-step approach" by participating in overseas masterclasses to experience local teachers and the musical environment firsthand
For those aspiring to a career in music, studying abroad is both a dream and a decision accompanied by tremendous anxiety. Particularly for an instrument like the bassoon, where playing techniques and reed styles vary by country and region, the question of "where and with whom to study" has a profound impact on one's future as a performer. Many students hesitate, thinking "it's too early for me" or "I won't be able to communicate in a foreign language," but waiting for the perfect preparation means missing opportunities. What truly matters is not denying the "fear" you feel right now, but having the courage to believe that an equal measure of "anticipation" awaits in your future. Experiencing new cultures and languages in an unfamiliar land not only improves your playing technique but also deepens you as a person—and that richness, in turn, brings greater expressiveness to your bassoon's tone.
When considering studying abroad, what I most strongly recommend is visualizing your own vision. Do you want to perform in a Japanese orchestra, or do you want to build a career in an overseas ensemble? Try writing down your specific ideal performer image on paper. To reach that ideal, do you need lessons from a teacher abroad right now, or should you solidify your fundamentals domestically first? By reverse-engineering from the vision you have written down, you will be able to decide for yourself whether studying abroad is necessary. Going not because someone else recommended it, but because you decided "I will go" on your own terms—that becomes the driving force to overcome the rigorous practice and daily life abroad. Face your own future with sincerity, and cherish the process of arriving at an answer you can truly be satisfied with.
Additionally, if taking the leap into long-term study abroad feels daunting, utilizing short-term masterclasses is another smart strategy. By participating in workshops held overseas during summer breaks and similar periods, you can get a firsthand feel for the compatibility with local teachers and the musical environment of that country. Once you actually visit, you will gain the reassuring realization that "things work out better than expected," and your vague anxieties will transform into concrete, actionable challenges. Proactive steps like emailing teachers to set up appointments and requesting lessons are the key to opening new doors. Rather than endlessly worrying in your heart and mind, simply take that first step. The accumulation of these small actions will eventually become great confidence, illuminating a bright future for you as a bassoonist.
The Art of Fine-Tuning Reeds: Designing a Scraping Form to Match Weather and Environmental Conditions
In daily life while studying abroad, what troubles performers the most is "changes in reeds." Under humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure conditions that differ from Japan, it is not uncommon for reeds that previously worked perfectly to become completely unresponsive. To adapt to the local environment, the skill of fine-tuning reeds to match current conditions is indispensable. This is not simply about learning scraping techniques; it is the ability of "form design"—calmly analyzing how your sound responds to environmental changes and guiding it to its optimal state. The resilience to overcome the major environmental shift of studying abroad is cultivated through the accumulation of such detailed adjustments. From here, let us take a closer look at the secrets of reed adjustment for delivering your best performance regardless of environmental conditions. With solid technical knowledge as your foundation, you will be able to produce your own distinctive sound no matter where you are.
