VOICES OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

FAN ZHIJUN
Jazz& Popular Department / Guitar Major / 2nd grade
Country: China
Shenyang Conservatory of Music

Although I had studied music during undergraduate period, I want to expand my horizon so I went to Japan. I attended various open campus to look for a school where I can study jazz which is my favorite and I decided to choose SHOBI where I think I can learn what I want. I want to be a musician who can sing while playing guitar about jazz in the future. I also want to improve my Japanese skill while studying abroad.

ZOU JIEYUE
Arrangement & Composition Department / Electro Music Major / 2nd grade
Country: China
Japanese Education Academy SYUTOKU

I became interested in listening to EDM music when I was a junior high school student and I wanted to make my own EDM music. After that I was influenced by Japanese music and animation, so I chose Japan to study abroad. SHOBI is well equipped to study music and owns a lot of professional teachers. 

I thought I could have a good beginning of becoming a musician if I study at SHOBI. My dream is to become a producer who can make music to be liked by everyone. 

LI YIXIAO
Comprehensive Music Department / Electronic Organ Course / Electone Major / 4th grade
Country: China
Xinjiang Normal University

I became interested in electone after watch a concert when I was a high school student. I want to learn the arrangement and the various play styles so I went abroad to Japan. There are many people who study classical music in China including me but I am studying other different genres of music in SHOBI now. After graduating from SHOBI, I want to go to graduate school to deepen my knowledge of music and become a good teacher who could inspire more students in the future.

WANG YUXUAN
Comprehensive Music Department / Wind, String & Percussion Course / Percussion Major / 4th grade
Country: China
Conestoga Valley High School (US)

When I participated in the Tokyo International Music Competition, I attended the master class and was surprised by the high performance of Japanese teachers. I think SHOBI's advantage is that it not only provides practical lesson but also has theoretical lesson such as music theory etc. Since there are few percussion instructors in my hometown, I want to become a teacher to teach the knowledge and the technology I learned in Japan in the future. I also want to create opportunities of holding international competitions and master classes in my hometown.

Chaoran Wang
Pro Musician / Keyboard Major / 1st Year
Country: China
Sophia University Graduate School

I like Japanese anime and J-Pop, so I thought I'd study abroad in order to live a fulfilling life. Among the vocational schools I attended open campus for, SHOBI was the one with the highest level instructors and the only one with a keyboard major. I could really feel the strength of the keyboard department. Another encouraging factor was the school's generous support in finding employment. I want to learn how to play and compose while in school and move people as a composer and a support musician.

Maya Sorella Elin Bergman
Arrangement & Composition / Songwriting Major
Country: Sweden
Stockholm University

From having experienced music helping me through tough times, I want to cheer other people up with music in the same way. When I first came to Japan I was surprised at the amount of live venues. I wanted to study music close to this environment, which is why I decided to study in Japan. At SHOBI, I was impressed with the high level of the lessons that I attended during open campus. In the future, as a composer and producer, I would like to make music with musicians of various genres and play on a world stage.

Anucha Charoensuhk
Jazz / Guitar Major
Country: Thailand
Intercultural Institute of Japan

When I formed a band with a friend and started to perform live, I realized that music was an indispensable part of my life. I felt that my knowledge of ad lib (improvisation) was lacking so I wanted to go abroad in order to study jazz properly. I was interested in Japanese media and especially music. I chose SHOBI because I thought that I could not only learn theory and get specialized, but also practice performances where I could utilize my knowledge. In the future, I would like to play an active role in a wide range of fields, from being a performer to becoming a lecturer.

Liuyang Li
Music Comprehensive Academy Department / Arrangement & Composition
Country: China
Sichuan Foreign Language University

I started making electronical music after experience as a DJ. My goal at the time was to become a famous DJ and producer. But after enrolling to school, I became interested in music for games and visual arts, so now I'm aiming to become a composer. Originally I liked Japanese anime and video games and I was also studying Japanese at my university. The deciding factors for choosing SHOBI were the teachers who taught me kindly and politely during open campus.

ALEKSEI MORGUNOV
Professional Musician Department Guitar Major
Country: Russia
Tokyo Galaxy Japanese Language School

I'm interested in Japanese pop culture such as manga, anime and games. I decided to study abroad in order to deepen my Japanese studies, which I had been studying in my home country. I chose SHOBI because of the school's professional teachers and because they have many facilities and a lot of equipment. The career advance support for graduates was also encouraging. My future goal is to be a professional guitarist. I keep practicing so that I can play songs of a wide range of genres, such as metal and jazz that I love.

Luca Delle Fave
Arrangement & Composition Department Music for Visual Arts Major
Country: Sweden
Intercultural Institute of Japan

The more I compose, the more motivated I get to create more music. And in order to do that for a living, I aimed to work within the music industry. I love a lot of Japanese game music and a lot of it is famous back in my home country. So I came to Japan in order to be a part of that world, by learning more about not only popular arrangements but also classical composition, orchestration and music for visual arts. I chose SHOBI knowing that it was only here that I would learn all of this and more. In the future, I would like to get a job at a game company as a composer and create various worlds through music.

Gao Qinyan
Music Business Department CD / Music Production Major
Country: China
Chulalongkorn University

When I was a junior high school student, I got fascinated by Japanese music by interacting with Japanese Noh performers and I began to feel that I wanted to study in Japan! I majored as a violin player at the Central Conservatory of Music, but I got interested in the work behind the scenes. I came to Japan because I thought that SHOBI's Music Business Department was perfect for me. In the future, as a music producer, I want to create songs that are loved by many people.

Chee Chin Siang
Malaysia
Arrangement and Composition course
Graduate from Asia Bunka Kyoukai Japanese Language Course

Studying Aboard in Japan is a great experience for me. During high school, my best friend recommended me a few anime and I started to grow interest in anime.
Besides that, my guitar teacher also a big fans of Japanese music and recommended me a lot of Japanese songs to me. Since then, Japan sounds much familiar to me.
I also realised those artists I interested was from Japan and the desire to study in Japan grew stronger in me.
After a few months in Japan, I get to participate in the guitar masterclass by the guitarist I like. By listening to his play right in front of me. I felt I had made a good decision to study aboard in Japan.
I also received Japan Air-Self Defence Force Central Band's concert ticket and listen to my first Wind Band concert.
Malaysia also a country without four seasons, therefore this is also my first time to experience the change of season. Because of this, I feel that time passes so fast just like the blink of an eye.

JIN SHENGYING
Arrangement & Composition
Major in Film Scoring (freshman)
Nationality: China
Shang Hai University of Traditional Medicine
Tokyo University of Arts

I studied piano when I was a child, therefore I feel an affinity for music. I chose different major in university and different career after graduate. At that time, I feel like want to choose what I like as career so I decided to study music in Japan. I want to make use of what I had learned in SHOBI in the future and make music that can make the people in Japan and China feel happy.

KIM DAEWON
Comprehensive Music
Arrangement & Composition (sophomore)
Nationality: Korea
Choong-am High School

I like the beautiful melody and lyrics in J-pop in the old days, and started to thinking about study music in Japan. While I searching for school, I found that I can learn Classical and Pops together. So I decided to study aboard in SHOBI. In the future, I want to release my song and doing live performance. I besides that, I also aiming to become an artist that can make people feel impressed.

ASAMOA BAAH FREMA
Vocal course
Nationality: Ghana
Shinjuku Japanese Language Institute

I love music since I was children. I will feel happy when I looking at those smiling face while they are listening to music. Because I want to become a singer in the future, so I decided to study vocal in SHOBI Music College. I am working hard to become a singer or vocalist in a band, even if my dream cannot come true I hope I can get a music related job.

JATURANTANON CHUTIWAT
Musical Couse
Nationality: Thailand
Chulalongkorn University

When I still a university student, I being touched by the musical "Beauty and the Beast" that had been released in Thailand. From there on, I thinking about standing on a stage that can make people feel touched. I joined open campus and being fascinated by the atmosphere here and enrolled in SHOBI. Now, I'm working hard on every day to master my Japanese Language and standing on stage as an actor.

Drake Childress
United States of America
Arrangement & Composition Dep.

I came to Japan because I got tired of America. I came to Tokyo because....well it's Tokyo. In a traditional (non-music) school, we study cultural movements like the Renaissance, the Baroque, and the Age of Enlightenment, but I feel that modern Tokyo has such Culture that there is something here for everyone. The city pulses with a life force that is indescribable and irresistible--the districts and neighborhoods have so many distinct colors, sights, scents, and sounds that entering each one of them is like exploring a new world. It's a great environment--especially for me and my love of music. I think wherever you are, it is important to be in a place where you are constantly fascinated.
My love for music has existed well before I entered Shobi, but the energy of Tokyo has encouraged me to pursue what means the most to me. I was studying at the University of Tokyo since September of last year, but my mind on music, my many travels around the city led me to Shobi--and I am very glad I found it.
The buildings themselves are nice learning environments, but what strikes me most about my Shobi experience is the people. My classmates are very interesting people, they teach me Japanese you don't usually find in textbooks, and their personal stories are enriching. As for my Sensei's, I am amazed every time I come to class! Besides the fact that they are maestros at several different instruments and have compendious, encyclopedic musical knowledge, I get the feeling that they really enjoy what they do. It is a true love story--the fact that they have been in music for years, playing at concerts, recording, and teaching--and yet they remain as fascinated as a first year student like me. Their freshness is refreshing for me and my classmates.

Ramon Riu
Barcelona, Spain
Comprehensive Music Dep.( Music Business Course / 3rd year)

My name is Ramon and I'm from Barcelona, Spain. Since I was 16 I wanted to come to Tokyo and work in the music industry here so I finally made up my mind and moved to Japan 5 years ago.

After studying 2 years in a Japanese language school and another 2 years in a vocational school,I found out about Shobi's 4 year course in music business. I attended the open college and I was impressed by the quality of the equipments in the classrooms and the environment of the whole school. The staff was really helpful and friendly too, so I decided to transfer to the 3rd year of the Comprehensive Music Dep.
Once the lessons started I felt that the subjects matched perfectly what I wanted to do and that I was getting a very good training to find a good job later. But the most important thing for me is the support and help that the teachers and staff provide me about the lessons, job hunting and my career in general.

I've met a lot of good friends in Shobi, both Japanese and foreigners. I'm a vocalist of my own band too. So I can say I'm really satisfied and enjoying my life in Japan.

Currently, I keep on doing activities and lives with my band besides studying music business at Shobi. So I'm sure that I can get the job I want when I graduate next year.

Sagar Pradhan
Nepal
Pop Contemporary Department

I started playing the guitar at the age of 18. But I knew that people started learning music at an earlier age. So I always wondered if I could begin to study and understand music. I often learned from my friends or the internet, but I soon realized that it was not enough, and I wasn't progressing. So eventually, I got into a music university. I started learning about the music theory, an array of music styles, various genres, composing methods, Western classical music, Western music, Eastern classical music, ethnic music, tribal music, and the history of music itself.

Alas! I soon found myself dissatisfied only to realize that my approach to music studies was wrong. Even with a BA Degree in Music, I could hardly do that a musician should. Although I had the music in me, I could never really harness and channel my musical abilities. Therefore, I decided to study music overseas to discover all the things that had been ignored, or things I had missed.

Then I came to Japan, I studied the language for 2 years, and upon my graduation I joined Shobi College of Music. This is my first year, and I love it so far. The school has a strong core curriculum that suits my needs, and enables me to expand my musical style. I am excited and eager to go for my lessons everyday. The teachers are experienced, helpful, encouraging, kind, and easy to understand. It has only been a couple of months here at Shobi, nevertheless, I have received some very valuable lessons, and I know there is more. Overall, I find the Shobi teaching method, its sound curriculum, the dedicated and approachable faculty, well equipped rooms, and a good management has made my journey to Japan worthwhile.

I'm very pleased and grateful to be here.

Thank you.
Sagar Pradhan
Pops Contemporary 1st year.

Message from current students

I came to japan because of my dream about study the sound & visual production.
And yes, I did not recognize any Japanese before I come.

Therefore, I studied in Japanese language institution for two years. In the meanwhile my life in japan has begun as well.


After my graduation from the language school, I have been looking for the different college that provides sound &visual production course. And finally, SHOBI music college became my final choice.


The first year in SHOBI, I learned about PA, illumination, recording and video production and it truly helped me a lot to improve my ability. Still got one more year to go!! I'll try to do my best in SHOBI and also I'm looking forward to have employment here after my graduation.

Madeleine Fritjof
Comprehensive Music Department　Vocal Course third year student　

My name is Maddie but as a singer, I go by the name Aya Fortuna.


I started Shobi College of Music as one of the only European students, alone and very nervous. But as school started and kept going, I soon realized that I was surrounded by students and friends that had the same interest for music, professional teachers that did everything to support you, as well as big, clean studios and rooms filled with all kinds of equipment.


First, I took the band vocalist course for two years. I got the chance to learn how to sing and move, how to make my own songs and how to use your face expressions when performing on stage.
The first time I stood on stage, I was so nervous that I thought I was going to faint! But thanks to the support from everyone, the bad feeling quickly disappeared and from that day I've been climbing my own staircase towards becoming a good singer.
After all, that's the reason why I came here.
I love Japan and the way they teach their music styles. I love Japanese music and it's in Japanese I too want to sing in.
This school gave me this and lots more. Since the band vocalist course only had two years, I decided to transfer to the 4year Comprehensive Music Course as a third yearstudent.
I'm planning to continue until I have my diploma from the Comprehensive Music Course and keep on fighting to be able to debut here in Japan. Until now I've managed to do quite a few things. I've had my own lives, I've seen my teachers perform and I've been able to see my favorite Japanese bands and artist perform on stage and give me inspiration.


Everything thanks to Shobi College of Music! I want to thank all teachers and staff who took me in with warm hearts and saw me, not as a foreigner, but as a member of the music family.


Thank you!
Best Regards
Maddie (Aya Fortuna)

MUN, Ye Seul
Korea
Vocal department

Hi! I'm MUN, Ye Seul, a first year student from Vocal department of Shobi College of Music.
I longed to be a singer since young, but after graduating from high school, I gave up music and went to a normal university.
However I realized that even as time passed by, I could not give up music completely. After contemplating for a long time, I decided to study in Japan. For that two long years of pondering, I got into Shobi. And after studying here for three months, I think I had been right on my decision to study abroad in Japan.
This school really has a very good environment for us foreign students, not to mention the systematic curriculum and all the teachers who act as our excellent mentors.
Please don't hesitate anymore!! It's always not too late to follow your dream when you have one.
I will do my very best and work hard to seize the chance Shobi has given me to become a singer.
I want to meet lots of lovely Korean friends who embrace their dreams and passion for music.
I am waiting for you at Shobi!!!!!!!!

CHEN, Han Na
Taiwan
Piano department second year student

I have not heard of Shobi College of Music until I visited a "Specialized Training Colllege Fair". I consulted with my Japanese language teacher and went for Shobi's open college. No doubt, I have been to other music schools' trial lessons, but after numerous participations at Shobi's open college, and considering the well-furnished facilities, the dedicated teachers and the expertise one gets to acquire, I decided I wanted to study here.

Upon entering the school, I indulge myself fully into the world of music. Even though I am swarmed with piano practices and semester final practical exams and report writings, I feel very productive. I do not regret studying in this school at all.

The Piano department where I belong to have a curriculum consisting of a combination of classical, jazz and pop music. We also learn music theory, but the focus is on actual performances. In addition, there are many subjects that are related to music composition. We got to hand in a piano piece of our original composition at the end of the semester. In the second year, we also have ensemble music lessons. This, we took it together with students from the Electronic Organ department or the department of Wind, String & Percussion Instruments. I feel that these music composition and ensemble music lessons, being unavailable in the piano department of other universities and other specialized training colleges, put Shobi to a great advantage. Although it seems like there is no distinction between an Arrangement & Composition department student and a Piano department student, this unique curriculum will prove to be a useful tool, if we were to have an active career in the music industry in the future.
Apart from academics, I am lucky to have made good friends who love music. I feel it in my bones the true meaning of the phrase "music knows no borders" since studying in Japan and getting to know many music-loving international students. How lucky I am! I thought to myself as my heart is filled with feelings of happiness.

To everybody who loves music, like me: if you are still unable to make up your mind, how about joining in Shobi's open college for once? It is possible that you might discover the place that will make your dream a reality.

CHE, Na Hyeon
Korea
Voice Acting department

Hi, I'm CHE, Na Hyeon, anime voice acting vocal course first year student from the Voice Actor department. It all started when I came to Shobi for a trial lesson and after getting to know all the teachers, I thought, if they already taught us such interesting stuff during a trial lesson, how much more would we get to learn after we get accepted! The whole trial lesson experience was really fun, of course. That's why I chose to study at Shobi.
School life was honestly interesting and I enjoy it everyday. We study all kinds of stuff in class and even things that make me go "oh wow, we get to learn such things in voice acting?". To tell the truth, I have never acted before until I got into Shobi. I thank my teachers for being so patient with me during lessons!
let's study together in Shobi!

Chloe Sim Li Lin
Republic of Singapore
PIANO

I started classical piano lessons when I was 4 years old and my piano teacher in Singapore was a former student of Shobi.！『as（mpressed by her classsical as well as jazz piano skills which I was keen to study as well.

Being trained in Early Childhood Education, I am interested in teaching children, especially using music as a tool. When I was considering my options to further my studies, I decided to pick Japan, since this is the country'amous for pedagogical methods and impressive Early Childhood programs.

After hearing my teacher share about her interesting'xperience at Shobi, I decided to sign up for the piano instructor course here at Shobi.

There is quite a well-varied mix of international students here and of course, my Japanese classmates are a joy to be with! Their level of commitment and discipline is a source of encouragement to me and after coming to Shobi, I was pushed to a level beyond what I》hought I was capable of!!

The teachers and lecturers here are knowledgable and friendly and I settled down（n the school within the first few months. Studying［usic in Japanese might be challenging at first, but it turns out that music is quite a universal language afterall. Being an international student means you have to put in more effort but it pays off in the long run! As long as you have the passion, I believe that language will not be a problem at all.l.

At Shobi, we not only have personal piano lessons, but we are also exposed to Ensemble Playing, Jazz piano, Composing and many more.
｀usic making has never been more fun!

I remember one of my first year teacher at Shobi》elling me:`You can definitely learn about music from books or even from the Internet. You didn`t have to travel to Japan. However it is from（nteracting with》he people,》hat you learn many valuable lessons, isn`t it?` Indeed, I have learnt plenty from my life as an international student here in Japan∥nd I am《ure that》hese, are the riches that I can bring back with me when I go back to Singapore.？gapore.ﾂ