Hello! This is Junichiro, a jazz piano instructor.

I live in New York and work as a jazz piano instructor on CafeTalk while continuing my self-improvement through the Jazz Graduate Course at Aaron Copland School of Music. I am currently active as a jazz pianist in New York.

Teaching Experience:

• Online piano instruction for distant students
• Jazz piano instructor at cultural schools

I discovered CafeTalk during my studies abroad, which allows me to teach piano from anywhere in the world. I strive to make jazz more accessible to everyone.

Available for:

• Not just Jazz, but also Gospel and Pops, and other genres
• Teaching piano and helping anyone to compose music
• Advice and consultation for those who want to study abroad in the U.S.
• Beginners who have no prior piano experience are welcome
• Lessons tailored to various ages and skill levels, including follow-up support
• Piano lessons for children (ages 5 and up) and consultation on study methods and studying abroad

Course Descriptions:

Jazz Piano Lesson (for beginners) Target Audience: People with no prior piano experience or beginners in jazz

• Learn the basics of jazz as an introduction!
• Curious about jazz trivia
• Enjoy learning piano skills in a fun way
• Interested in participating in sessions but struggle with improvisation
• Practice songs from other genres if you want to step away from jazz

For more details on the lessons, please scroll down ⬇

Jazz Piano Lesson (Advanced) Target Audience: Those who have participated in jazz sessions, intermediate and advanced students

• Improve improvisation skills in sessions
• Refresh and enhance comping and reharmonization techniques
• Explore deeper jazz theory
• Learn modern jazz players' arranging, improvisation, and performance techniques
• Write arrangements for large combos and big bands

Music Theory, Composition, and Arranging from the Basics Target Audience: Those who want to learn music theory from the ground up and are interested in composition and arranging

• What is the world of composition and arranging like? How are songs created?
• What is music theory?
• Want to compose music on your smartphone without a piano at home
• Feel anxious about composing and need some guidance

For more details on the lessons, please scroll down ⬇

I look forward to receiving your requests.

Please note that as an active musician, there may be instances where lessons are canceled due to sudden performance jobs in the evening, New York time. Thank you for your understanding.

Instructor Profile: Junichiro Based in New York, originally from Niigata City. Started playing piano at age 6 and began jazz at a university jazz club in Tokyo. Studied jazz piano under Akira Ishii. After graduating, worked as a research staff member in vibration and acoustics while performing as a pianist and keyboardist. Studied composition and arranging with Kazuki Onuki and piano techniques with Naoki Michiwaki. In 2013, received the Gold Award (highest honor) at the Niigata Jazz Contest with his quartet. Performed with his own band and as a member of the Tokyo-based Big Band, Shiny Stockings, at venues such as Blues Alley Japan, Shinjuku J, and Ginza NB Club.

Moved to the U.S. in 2019 for music studies. Completed a Master of Music in Jazz Studies at the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York, studying under David Berkman and Jeb Patton, and also studied improvisation with Hal Crook. Awarded the Marvin Hamlisch Award for outstanding students, and performed with an orchestra at the Award Concert. Participated in the “Piano Hang” solo piano event hosted by David Berkman in Brooklyn, performing alongside David Berkman, Bruce Barth, and Sean Wayland. Released his 1st Piano Trio Album "Sketches" in Japan and the U.S. in June 2021, which received a Silver Medal/Outstanding Achievement in the Composition category at the Global Music Awards and was selected as one of the Top Albums of the Year 2021. The album has been reviewed in jazz magazines such as All About Jazz, Jazz Life, and Jazz Japan. The album is also available as a limited edition on CafeTalk. Released his 2nd Piano Trio Album "Landscape" in April 2024, which received Outstanding Achievement in the Jazz category at the Global Music Awards. Held a successful release event for the album in various locations in Japan in May 2024.

"This piano jazz album highlights Mataga’s excellent harmonic skill and floaty, jovial melodies. The nostalgic production lends a calming timbre to the work, making it a very pleasing listen." (Global Music Award 2021 top albums)

“I really enjoyed this CD! The arrangements were neat and tidy and precise. The trio really knew the music and played it well, and the concept of each song was clear especially 'I Mean You'...my favorite. Thanks for these musical thoughts.” - Ron Carter, Maestro

Official Website: https://j-mataga.com