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Students - Video & Photos
Richi (13) X'mas Concert at Pallet Kumoji,Okinawa, 12/20/08 (Sunset Music School)
Crazy Train by Lance Duncan at Bar Jet
Recuerdos de la Alhambra by Mr Hideto Kohatsu
The Humming Song
9 year old Aoi Araki (piano student) jams with her father on bass and teachers playing R&B and Jazz. She rocks like a 30 year old musician!
SEBASTIAN CASTRO, AGE 6, playing Gypsy Dance
Sarah Rhodes winner of best new guitarist 2004 in Kadena battle of the bands. Singer is Christina Ramos, violin student.
Joshua Walker, 1st place in Kadena talent show 2003
Aoi Araki, playing "All Of Me"
Click HERE for more photos from our gallery
Teachers
Mimi Nierva Ueta - Director & Teacher
The School was founded August of 2002 by Mimi Nierva Ueta, founding Director of Sunset Music School. Born in Okinawa, Mimi has a very deep-rooted background in music since early childhood. Being a former big band leader's daughter, she had an early exposure from many kinds of music ranging from classical, popular, standards and latin music.
Background: Like her father, she also started very young playing the piano. At the age of five, she learned the basics from her Dad. Then, studied at the Ryukyu Classical Academy. At the age of fourteen, she started teaching piano around her neighborhood and began earning her own allowances.
Francisco Nierva
Considered as one of the veteran musicians on Okinawa, FRANKIE, as he is fondly called, born in the Philippines and came to Okinawa in 1955, worked as a saxophonist and flutist with big bands performing at the military bases.
Frankie started playing the flute at the young age of 7, taught by his father. In a year’s time, he became the soloist for different several marching bands. He later progressed to becoming the provincial soloist for the province’s main band. Being small, he stood on tables performing his solo on his piccolo.
Toshi Tsushima
Guitar Teacher
Toshi has started playing guitar since he was ten and has studied at the Guitar Institute of Technology, Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California. He is fluent both in English and in Japanese and is an active musician performing with the Universal Logic (or the firefly clan) around Kanagawa, Tokyo, and elsewhere. His travel to India, Bangladesh, Morocco, Mozambique etc. expanded his unique playing-style. He is knowledgeable not only of contemporary music but also other musical theories and cultures as well. In addition to guitar, he also plays congas, shamisen and Moroccan Guimbri lute.
Yoshiya Chinen
Teacher - Guitars, Okinawan Shanshin
Yoshiya came back to Okinawa in 2003 after spending 15 years in New York City learning English and playing jazz. He founded the group The New York Jazz Trio gigging around the “Big Apple” clubs. Yoshiya’s gentle, kind, modest character and musical talent truly make him one of the favorites among our students from beginners, advanced, children and adults. You will see him jamming around the local clubs performing Jazz, Pops, Rock, Blues or whatever is called for. Check out Yoshiya’s CD entitled “Curiosity” with the New York Jazz Trio.
Special Thanks To Former Teachers
Saiko Yamashiro - Violin
Ryukyu University Philharmonic Orchestra (First Violinist)
Educational Background
1998- Graduated University of the Ryukyus (Biology)
1998 April- Entered Graduate School of Engineering and Science (Doctoral Program)
Taki Furugen
Bass guitar instructor
Taki is well known on Okinawa as a veteran bass player. Currently he plays regularly at Bar Jet which he owns. They play classic rock, blues and some originals. They have made a few CD's which is available at local music stores and his club. He has toured with the legendary Murasaki Band during the 90's and some famous Japanese musicians and some recording sessions.
Yuji Sakae
Teacher - Drums & Percussion
1995- Graduated at Jazz Drums at the University of New Orleans, Bachelor of Arts under Ellis Marsalis, father of Wynton Marsalis.
1996- Central National Art School, Havana Cuba: (Latin Percussion)
Mr. Sakae had performed with Mike Whitfield, Bill Summers, Steve Masakofsky and various clubs and jazz concerts in New Orleans. Also performed and in Tokyo Jazz pubs and recording studios. He now performs at various jazz pubs in Naha. He is also an endorser of “Canopus“.
Hideto Kohatsu
Classical/Flamenco
Education Background: Okinawa Kokusai University (English Literature)
Background: 2003-Released 3CDs
1997- Attended Jose Luis Gonzales' Master class at Cordova Guitar Festival (Spain)
1997- Attended Elliot Fisk Master Class at Cordova Guitar Festival (Spain)
1985: Won the Kyushu "National Guitar Competition"
1993: Won the Alivila Guitar Competition
Member: Kyushu Guitar Association & Japan Guitar Federation
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