- The foundation as a saxophone player was laid during middle school concert band, where the rigorous environment of striving for a national gold prize built the solid groundwork that would later support a professional career.
- Alongside technical practice, thoroughly comparing roughly 500 recordings introduced by a teacher cultivated the sensibility to identify one's own "preferred sound" and "ideal expression."
- Today, with activities spanning from classical repertoire research to new commissions, an important mission as a musician is to transform personal experience into support and encouragement for the next generation of female performers.
Everyone has a different story of how they first encountered the saxophone and fell under its spell. Some were inspired by a senior they watched in middle school concert band; others were captivated by the brilliant tone they heard on television. Yet turning a mere fascination into a profession or lifelong pursuit requires concrete action to sustain that passion and a strong will to overcome setbacks. Behind every successful professional player lies not only the glamour of competition victories, but also the quiet, painstaking hours spent listening to hundreds of CDs and continually evaluating one's own sound with an objective ear. Music cannot be built on technique alone. What kind of sound do you love? What story do you want to tell through your instrument? It is precisely this process of nurturing inner richness that transforms the saxophone into your true "voice."
Ear Training to Sharpen Your Sensibility: Studying 500 Recordings
The fastest route to improvement may, surprisingly, lie in setting the instrument down and simply listening. The experience of comparing roughly 500 CDs during one's student years—absorbing each player's nuances and the unique character of their instrument—becomes an invaluable asset. Immersing yourself in excellent recordings is equivalent to building an "ideal sound library" inside your mind. The freedom of high school, where one could take risks without fearing a cracked note, followed by the rigorous training at Tokyo University of the Arts—all of these experiences connect to the rich expressiveness of today. To unlock the full potential of the saxophone, begin by training your ear and diving deep into the ocean of music. Once your preferences become clear, the purpose of your practice will naturally follow.
Conclusion
Growth on the saxophone is shaped not by extraordinary talent but by the steady accumulation of a good environment and good habits. The fundamentals forged in concert band, the ear developed through extensive listening comparisons, and the self-awareness gained from solo performances all connect to form the foundation that supports your expression. When in doubt, return to the sequence of "listen," "learn," and "experiment," and take one concrete step today. The more time you spend engaging thoughtfully with your own sound, the more your saxophone will resonate as a voice uniquely yours, carrying ever greater conviction.
