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- Title
YAMAHA MUSIC EDUCATION SYSTEM Celebrating 50 Years of Growth.
- Authors
Anzis, Kathy
- Abstract
This article focuses on the Yamaha Music Education System (YMES) established by Yamaha Corp. of Japan in 1954. In the early years of his tenure as president of Yamaha Corp., Genichi Kawakami (president from 1950-2002) took a business trip to Europe. While traveling, he noticed young people playing music and singing together. He was struck by the contrast he observed in Japan. Rarely did he hear music coming from houses as he walked down the street. Casual, enjoyable music making did not seem to be part of the daily life of the Japanese people. He became convinced that Yamaha had a responsibility not only to produce high-quality musical instruments but also to provide opportunities for people to learn how to play them. The project was met with enthusiasm and support, especially from Japanese musicians who were eager to promote the benefits of music and create a method that would appeal to the younger generation. After much research and collaboration, the Yamaha Method was born. Fast-forward 50 years: The YMES has opened schools in 40 countries and produced 5 million graduates. Former students occupy a wide range of positions in the fields of composition, music education, performance and conducting. INSET: YMES Graduates: Giving the Gift of Music.
- Subjects
MUSIC education; MUSICAL instrument instruction; YAMAHA Corp. of Japan; KAWAKAMI, Genichi; MUSICAL composition; MUSICAL theater writing
- Publication
American Music Teacher, 2005, Vol 55, Issue 1, p39
- ISSN
0003-0112
- Publication type
Article