Workshops & Seminars
This page introduces the workshops and seminars led or co-hosted by Nozomi Kanda.
From Japanese traditional music and shinobue workshops to classical flute seminars, discover a variety of activities held in Belgium, France, and internationally. It serves as a resource for students who wish to participate, as well as organizers looking to integrate Japanese music into their events.
We are launching a new short-term shinobue workshop series in Brussels
🪈Shinobue
Two levels are available:
Débutant – for complete beginners
Non-débutant – for those with prior experience with traverse flute
Duration: 1 to 2 hours (depending on the number of participants)
Workshops will open with a minimum of 2 participants per level.
Koto
Workshops will open with a minimum of 2 participants
Duration: 1hour
🪕Shamisen
Workshops will open with a minimum of 2 participants
Duration: 1hour
You can participate in single workshop.
Fee: 25€ per session
Locations: Brussels / Paris
📍 Dates – Brussels
17 January 2026, 8 February 2026, 21 March 2026, 4 April 2026
For the end of the series, participants who reach the required level will be invited to join a small performance
(* participation in the concert is optional and may involve an additional fee *probably in june)
Japanese Music Seminars & Shinobue Workshops
Objective
The workshop aims to discover the Japanese instruments and music culture, and dig into the their understanding of Japanese music theory and compositions.
Target Audience :
School classes / Academy classes (for Teenagers studying music) / Conservatory (for flute students, composers and all students interested in the subject).
Workshop Outline:
The workshop aims to discover the Japanese instruments and music culture, and dig into the their understanding of Japanese music theory and compositions.
Introduction to Japanese Music History & Theory
- Brief history of Japanese music history from about the 9 century till nowadays.
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Explanations of basic concepts including notes and scales for Nagauta (Kabuki & Japanese traditional dance music after the 17th Century) and Koto music.
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Explanation of the music sheets for each instrument.
Instrumental Trial:
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Singing trial
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Japanese instruments trial
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Shinobue trial for flute students
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Koto and shamisen trials for any students interested
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Further activities (optional)
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Individual lessons on the Shinobue
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Ensemble Playing: (for music school level)
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Group sessions where participants collaborate on playing Japanese song pieces together with their instruments (or Japanese instruments)
Previous Japanese Music Workshops
Shinobue & Japanese Music :
the International Music Academy in Dinant (Belgium)
At the International Music Academy in Fort-Mahon (Picardie, France)
Regular workshops and traditional Japanese music lecture in Paris with “Tsunagari Taïko” (Paris)
Shinobue workshop at Strasbourg Regional Conservatory (France)
Shinobue workshop and Japanese music lecture at Nihon no Nami (Wroclaw, Poland)
Shinobue workshop at the Waterloo Music Academy (Belgium)
Other Instruments Workshop in Brussels
Nagauta shamisen and Japanese singing workshop by Mariwo Fuka
Tsugaru Shamisen workshop by Hideaki Tsuji
Koto Workshop by Gaho Takahashi
Classical Flute Seminars
Classical Flute Seminar – About my class
Target
My class welcomes both beginners and advanced flutists. I studied in Belgium with Gérard Noack, which gave me a solid pedagogical foundation. Alongside extensive chamber music experience, I bring a unique perspective: combining Japanese musical thought with contemporary approaches to expand flute performance.
Key features of my class
An approach inspired by Japanese traditional music
We will explore works such as Mei by Kazuo Fukushima, rooted in the spirit of the nōkan and Japanese aesthetics, to broaden the expressive possibilities of the flute.
A contemporary perspective for advanced flutists
Beyond the “straight tone,” we will focus on subtle intonation shifts, tone color variations, and the role of breath—concepts that are central to contemporary music performance.
Expression enriched by Japanese instruments
Through my experience with the shinobue and the nōkan, I share ways of “creating sound” and “singing through the phrase” that can be applied to the Western flute, opening new musical horizons..
Collaboration with composers
Having commissioned and premiered new works by Japanese and European composers, I provide practical insight into working with composers and interpreting their music.
What I aim to share
My teaching emphasizes the act of creating sound and exploring resonance.
From fundamental training to advanced expression, I work with each participant to discover new musical possibilities.
OP74. FLANE L’ACADEMIE DES ARTS
Flute & shinobue classes
It is a classical music summer academy held every year in late July in Flaine, in the French Alps. For one week, participants can take daily lessons and perform in concerts. Renowned teachers of all classical instruments gather from across France and beyond.
During the academy, faculty concerts are presented every evening. Participants come from all over the world.
Flaine is about one hour from Geneva. The 2026 schedule will be announced as soon as it is confirmed
Past Examples
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2012 - 2018：l'International Music Academy in Dinant / Flute, shinobue and Chamber music classes
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2024：OP74. FLANE L’ACADEMIE DES ARTS flute and shinobue classes
