Player spotlight:
Lily Liu
When I attended OKK’s 2019 spring concert, I was captivated by the sound of Koto music. I had learnt to play piano on and off before, but really struggled with sight reading. When I discovered Koto sheet music was written in Chinese numbers corresponding to the strings, I wanted to try learning this instrument. The universe heard my wish, and with very little effort, I got a Koto from my husband’s aunt. Thus started my Koto journey.
Koto for me is an instrument of order and sequence. It is an invitation for individual expression from both composer and player. Through my koto journey, I have learned to enjoy and play this tradition instrument and have been among passionate people to bring joy to our audiences.My biggest challenge in playing has been keeping a consistent tempo, but with Mitsuki sensei’s guidance and by learning to play with a metronome I have been able to overcome that. I passed the beginner level exam and got my certificate from the Sawai Koto Music Institute. This, and my debut performance at Portland Japanese Garden were very important moments in my development as a koto player.
How I Discovered Koto
Playing the Koto has helped me learn to stay focused and be disciplined. I am more patient and calm now than I ever was before. These are great skills to have outside of music as well, like for my tennis games. My future goal is to play with more confidence and be more fluent as a musician. I feel very fortunate and honored to be part of this passionate group, and to share and bring so much joy to people with this amazing instrument. Oregon Koto-Kai inspires and motivates me to be a better player and person.