You Can Play Koto with Reiko Obata

The target audience for this straightforward “how-to” is immediately clear with the first words spoken by instructor Reiko Obata: “With your koto in front of you, let's begin.” A koto is a 13-stringed, six-foot-long musical instrument made of polonia wood (“very durable and soft,” Obata says), set horizontally on a stand and traditionally played by a musician sitting on the floor or on a low seat. Obata is a highly qualified instructor, having studied under koto masters in both the U.S. and Japan, as well as holding a master's degree in music from San Diego State University and a koto master's degree from the Seiha School of Japanese Music (she also teaches at harp and folk festivals, and is an active koto performing and recording artist, whose releases include a jazz koto CD that features her band, East West). The program is divided into seven parts on caring for your koto, parts of the koto, how to make and wear picks, proper playing positions, tuning the koto, basic techniques, and specific instruction for playing two Japanese songs (with sheet music provided). Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Zoretich)