Lecturer

• 〈Violin〉
• Akiko Suwanai
• Benjamin Schmid
  
  
• 〈Cello〉
Jens-Peter Maintz

Eligibility

・Those who can participate in all sessions.
・In principle, applicants between the ages of 6 and 25 (as of the date of the course).
　*Japanese interpretation will be provided for the lessons by Benjamin Schmid (Vn.) and Jens-Peter Maintz (Vc.).

Enrollment Capacity

〈Violin〉8
〈Cello〉4

Lesson Time

Two sessions of 50 minutes each, over two day
(For the violin division, participants will take one lesson per day with Akiko Suwanai and Benjamin Schmid.)
*In-person lessons
*With accompanist

Audition Piece

〈Violin〉
Please submit a video of approximately 15 minutes in total, with up to two pieces of your choice.
Include at least one technically challenging piece (e.g., Tchaikovsky, Wieniawski, Sarasate, Waxman).

〈Cello〉
Please submit a video of approximately 15 minutes in total, using pieces of your choice (multiple pieces or movements are allowed).

Course Piece

Optional (does not need to be the same as the audition piece).

Final Concert by the Participants

〈Violin〉2026/3/3(Tue)18:45～21:00
〈Cello〉2026/3/3(Tue)17:30～18:30
*Please note that the performance will be recorded and released later.

Travel and Accommodation

At participant’s own expense

Accompanists (Piano)

〈Violin〉Yuko Komoriya, Eri Hayashi
〈Cello〉Yuriko Morota
(They will also serve as accompanists for the final concert.)

Application and Selection Process

Applicants will be selected based on a comprehensive evaluation of their performance videos.

1. Please prepare a performance video recorded within the past year.

2. Fill out the required information on the application form and submit your performance video.

* Upload the video to YouTube as “Unlisted” and send the link. Include the following details: Title – Name / Piece; Description – Name, age (at the time of recording), school/grade, recording date and location.

* If it is difficult to apply online or submit a performance video, please contact the inquiry address below.

Application Form

・Violin
・Cello

Application Deadline

Applications must arrive by Monday, December 1, 2025 / Notification of results: Mid-January 2026 (scheduled)

Contact

International Music Festival NIPPON – Masterclass Inquiries
Email: masterclass@japanarts.co.jp
Address: Japan Arts Inc., 2-1-6 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8905, Japan

Other Information

・The final concert will be recorded and made available online at a later date. Names and photos of participants may also be published for event guidance or future publicity. Please notify us in advance if you have any concerns.

・Please refrain from canceling after passing the audition and paying the tuition. No refunds will be provided if a participant cancels for personal reasons.

Masterclass Attendance & Final Concert Information

・All masterclass lessons are open to the general public.

・A final concert by the participants will be held at the end of the last day of lessons. *Instructors will not perform.