Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuko Mabuchi.
Hi Yuko, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in a small Japanese town, and my mother was a classical piano teacher. When I was four, instead of giving me lessons, she took me to a friend to teach me music. I learned really quickly and did many serious competitions as a child. In Jr High School, I began traveling to Osaka for private lessons. I was also on the track team but continued my music. In high school, my motivation slowed down, and I was less interested in classical and more interested in other genres. I was drawn to American music as a child listening to jazz and Latin music that my father played in the house and in the car. The music had rhythm. It was exciting and uplifting.
And so when I made my decision to become a Jazz musician, I knew that the best place to learn jazz was where it was created. I had received a scholarship from Berkeley College of Music in Boston. But unfortunately, it did not cover the cost of living in one of the most expensive city in America, so I chose a small performance academy in Los Angeles.
My dream is the same as most other artists, that is to become popular enough to have my music played all over the world. I also hope that my music will help people enjoy jazz the way I enjoy it. It is a very special kind of music that allows you to express yourself in many ways. My dream is to perform this music for a very long time!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Becoming a professional is difficult by itself. You first have to have confidence, which is difficult when you’re competing with so many wonderful musicians. When you finally get some confidence, that is the beginning of a journey to prove yourself. I’ve been very surprised and disappointed by the lack of support from my own community. I have always tried to promote the image of my country while I present music that I think they would be proud of. I look forward to seeing more of my own people in the audience.
I’ve been very confused by the way LA has groups and clicks. I think my music appeals to music lovers, not just aficionados. But there are several jazz venues that have never showed interest in what I’m doing. So it’s confusing to me when I get a better response in distant cities than I do in my hometown.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have held close to my commitment to giving back to the community. For eight years, I have been volunteering as an accompanist for the Watts-Willowbrook Youth Orchestra. The City of Los Angeles recognized my participation with a commendation in appreciation for my work in nurturing the next generation of musicians.
I would like to be able to provide more opportunity for music education, especially in the most challenging areas of Los Angeles. We provide free music lessons to disadvantaged youngsters. There are music programs around the world, but we need so many more. Especially for families who can’t afford private lessons.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I think the first thing to do is make a commitment to becoming a musician. The second is the preparation of your music. The third, and maybe the most important, is meeting the right people. If you meet people who truly like what you do and have the expertise to help you in the business, you have a good chance to get started.
Don’t do just one thing. Try different styles and genres. When you don’t enjoy doing what you’re doing, do something else! You can even take a break from music when the problems seem too big to handle. If you have a real love for music, you will always come back to it!
If you have a bad personality and people don’t like you, things can get rough. You have to develop a strong mentality which will allow you to be able to focus on your goal and not be distracted. Perseverance and being a positive person help you not to quit. You have to practice regularly in order to perform well and be confident.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.yukomabuchi.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mabuchikeys
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/yuko.mabuchi.1
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuko-mabuchi-08669543
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/yukomabuchi
- Other: https://yukomabuchi.hearnow.com/the-caribbean-canvas
