Genki Matsushima

Hello! I’m a professional shamisen player and music instructor from Japan.

I graduated from Nihon Geijutsu Senmon Gakko, a vocational school specializing in arts education, where I studied music and developed a strong foundation in performance and musical expression.

I have been studying shamisen and guitar since my teenage years and have over 15 years of experience as a musician. In shamisen, I studied under Kazuhiko Ayusawa and belong to the Oyama-ryu school of Tsugaru shamisen. In guitar, I studied under Jun Yamazaki and Abdul Zuhri.

Oyama-ryu is known as the first Tsugaru shamisen school to officially publish musical notation for the instrument. Rather than relying only on oral tradition, the school emphasizes learning through notation in order to preserve traditional techniques accurately for future generations and make shamisen more accessible to a wider range of people. This educational philosophy strongly influences my own teaching style.

As a performer, I have played at live music venues and major stages in Tokyo, including Shinagawa Stellar Ball, Shibuya CLUB QUATTRO, and Zepp Tokyo. I have also participated in recording projects and shared music with local communities through volunteer performances at elderly care facilities.

As a teacher, I worked at EYS Music School in Shinjuku, Tokyo for two years and taught more than 100 students with a wide range of skill levels and goals. Through this experience, I developed a flexible teaching style tailored to each student’s individual needs. I enjoy helping students improve their technique, rhythm, musical expression, and confidence in performance.

My lessons are personalized for each student and designed to be supportive, enjoyable, and easy to follow. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced musician interested in Japanese music, I aim to create a relaxed environment where you can learn at your own pace and enjoy making music.

I look forward to meeting you and sharing the world of shamisen and music together!

My teaching style is flexible, practical, and supportive.

I adjust each lesson to your level, goals, and learning pace. For beginners, we build a strong foundation step by step, including posture, bachi technique, rhythm, and basic playing skills.

For more advanced students, we can focus on musical expression, speed, performance techniques, and learning specific songs.

I aim to create a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment where students can improve with confidence.