Western Musical Influences on Japan Since Commodore Perry

Western Musical Influences on Japan Since Commodore Perry
Akina Kondoh
Friday, September 6, 12:45 - 2:35 p.m.
Classroom B

Japan opened itself to the West when Commodore Perry visited Tokyo Bay in 1853 and began to absorb Westernern influences. The country absorbed not only technology, economic, and political systems but Western music as well. This process transformed the musical scene of ordinary people and has produced many interesting composers and performers.

About the Instructor: Akina Kondoh is a doctoral student in piano performance at West Virginia University. She is originally from Japan. She got a BA in Political Science, an MA in International Relations from University of Tokyo, and a MSc in Economics from University of Essex but changed majors to music following her passion after she came to the U.S.