Kōichi Araki, a Piano Tuner Supporting Masterpieces, Discusses the Reality of 'Sound Creation' with Pianists – What are the Professional Dialogues Behind the Scenes? Special Lecture at Osaka College of Music on April 21
Osaka College of Music will host a special lecture on April 21, 2026, featuring Kōichi Araki, a piano tuner highly trusted by top domestic and international performers. He will discuss the behind-the-scenes interactions and 'sound creation' processes with pianists, offering a rare opportunity for students to learn about professional communication and problem-solving.
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Osaka College of Music (Location: Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture; President: Yuki Morimoto) will host a special lecture on April 21, 2026, as part of its piano performance course. The lecturer will be Kōichi Araki, a piano tuner who enjoys the deep trust of top domestic and international performers. Mr. Araki is a frontline technician who has supported the sound creation of world-renowned artists such as Bernstein, Pavarotti, Ray Charles, and Paul McCartney. This will be an extremely valuable opportunity for students to hear about the specific behind-the-scenes interactions.
Key Points of This Lecture
① The technician himself speaks about the process of creating sound for world-renowned artists
Mr. Araki will introduce the 'dialogue of sound' between pianists and tuners, which is usually not disclosed, with concrete examples. He will explain how performers' demands are verbalized and translated into specific tasks, revealing concrete processes that can only be heard in a professional setting.
② The reality behind the scenes, including troubleshooting just before a performance
Unexpected troubles can occur at concert venues. Mr. Araki will share episodes from tense behind-the-scenes moments, such as his judgments and responses just minutes before a performance, based on his actual experiences.
③ An educational initiative for young performers to learn about the 'professional scene'
This is a practical opportunity for students to understand the professional environment, aiming to equip them with perspectives such as 'how to perceive the performance space,' 'how to build communication with technicians,' and 'what attitude is required as a professional.'
We kindly request your coverage of the lecture.
Special Lecture Outline on April 21
[Lecture Title] Interactions between Pianists and Piano Technicians, and the Reality Behind Concerts
[Date and Time] Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
[Location] Osaka College of Music, Building F, Room 434
[Target Audience] 3rd and 4th-year university students taking 'Piano Performance Course' (internal auditing permitted / not open to the public)
[Lecture Content]
- How to verbalize pianists' demands and translate them into technical work
- Examples of dialogues with world-renowned pianists
(Aldo Ciccolini, Ivo Pogorelić, Evgeny Kissin, among others)
- Troubles that occur behind the scenes and how to deal with them
- Judgments and actions as a concert tuner
[Lecturer] Kōichi Araki (Utamakura Inc. / Piano Tuner)
[Lecturer Profile] Born in Fukui Prefecture in 1964. After graduating from Chubu Piano Technical College, he joined Alberto Napolitano in Italy. He trained at major German piano manufacturers and was responsible for tuning for world-renowned artists across genres, including Bernstein, Pavarotti, Ray Charles, and Paul McCartney. After returning to Japan, he worked at Matsuo Musical Instruments Co. responsible for concert piano tuning and maintenance, and currently works extensively on piano restoration, tuning, and technical courses at Utamakura Inc. He has served as stage manager for the Takefu International Music Festival for over 20 years.
Key Points of This Lecture
① The technician himself speaks about the process of creating sound for world-renowned artists
Mr. Araki will introduce the 'dialogue of sound' between pianists and tuners, which is usually not disclosed, with concrete examples. He will explain how performers' demands are verbalized and translated into specific tasks, revealing concrete processes that can only be heard in a professional setting.
② The reality behind the scenes, including troubleshooting just before a performance
Unexpected troubles can occur at concert venues. Mr. Araki will share episodes from tense behind-the-scenes moments, such as his judgments and responses just minutes before a performance, based on his actual experiences.
③ An educational initiative for young performers to learn about the 'professional scene'
This is a practical opportunity for students to understand the professional environment, aiming to equip them with perspectives such as 'how to perceive the performance space,' 'how to build communication with technicians,' and 'what attitude is required as a professional.'
We kindly request your coverage of the lecture.
Special Lecture Outline on April 21
[Lecture Title] Interactions between Pianists and Piano Technicians, and the Reality Behind Concerts
[Date and Time] Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 11:15 AM - 12:45 PM
[Location] Osaka College of Music, Building F, Room 434
[Target Audience] 3rd and 4th-year university students taking 'Piano Performance Course' (internal auditing permitted / not open to the public)
[Lecture Content]
- How to verbalize pianists' demands and translate them into technical work
- Examples of dialogues with world-renowned pianists
(Aldo Ciccolini, Ivo Pogorelić, Evgeny Kissin, among others)
- Troubles that occur behind the scenes and how to deal with them
- Judgments and actions as a concert tuner
[Lecturer] Kōichi Araki (Utamakura Inc. / Piano Tuner)
[Lecturer Profile] Born in Fukui Prefecture in 1964. After graduating from Chubu Piano Technical College, he joined Alberto Napolitano in Italy. He trained at major German piano manufacturers and was responsible for tuning for world-renowned artists across genres, including Bernstein, Pavarotti, Ray Charles, and Paul McCartney. After returning to Japan, he worked at Matsuo Musical Instruments Co. responsible for concert piano tuning and maintenance, and currently works extensively on piano restoration, tuning, and technical courses at Utamakura Inc. He has served as stage manager for the Takefu International Music Festival for over 20 years.