What if these walls could sing? Tokyo College of Music has nurtured musical talent since 1907. It began as the Toyo Ongaku Gakko or Oriental Music School. Let’s explore the rich history of this esteemed institution.
Tokyo College of Music first stood in Kanda, Tokyo. The Great Kanto earthquake tragically destroyed the original campus. In 1924, the college relocated to Toshima, Tokyo. It wasn’t until 1969 that it officially became Tokyo College of Music. A second modern campus opened in Kamimeguro, Meguro in 2019.
Tokyo College of Music boasts a distinguished faculty. Over 600 highly qualified individuals guide the students. The student body comprises over 2,000 individuals. This includes undergraduates, postgraduates, high school students, kindergarteners and preparatory students.
The college offers impressive facilities. The 100th Anniversary Hall seats 806 people. There is also a B Studio with a baroque-style pipe organ. Other facilities include J Studio, a Synthesizer Lab and a Recording Studio. A library, TCM Hall, TCM Studio and a student dormitory for women are also available.
The Tokyo College of Music Chorus actively performs. They collaborate with professional orchestras both nationally and internationally. Since 1979, the TCM Chorus has performed Beethoven’s Symphony No 9 every year with the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Tokyo College of Music Wind Ensemble was established in 1970. For over 40 years, they have performed both in Japan and abroad. The ensemble attracts audiences with dynamic performances of symphonic wind literature.
String Ensemble Endless was launched in 1990 by Toshiyuki Uzuka. It provides performance opportunities outside of school. Endless performs annually at various music venues in Tokyo. Their repertoire spans classical to contemporary music.
Tokyo College of Music encourages students to participate in competitions. Students win numerous awards both in Japan and abroad.
The college holds the annual Tokyo College of Music Competition. Categories alternate each year between strings, winds, percussion, piano and vocal. There is also a competition for students majoring in composition. The winners receive the President’s Prize.
Graduates have gone on to achieve great success. Some notable alumni include Yuko Suzuhana, Junichi Hirokami, Mahito Yokota, Naoki Sato, Yasunori Nishiki and Yugo Kanno.
Located in the heart of Tokyo, the Tokyo College of Music provides easy access to main concert halls. It stands as an ideal place for students who love music. The dedication to musical excellence continues to shape future generations of musicians.