Matsumi Timson
 Masumi Timson is a certified instructor of Japanese koto music and has been playing for 20 years. The koto is a type of lute that dates back to the VII century. Until the XV century, it was considered a sacred instrument that only daughters of nobility were allowed to play. Koto music represents the beauty of nature. Matsumi has lived in Salem many years and teaches at a Salem area high school. She is only available outside regular school hours.
Area: Portland area, Salem area Japanese Traditional Koto Music Matsumi gives an introduction to Japanese traditions and culture through koto music. She explains the history of the music and the instrument as well as performs and demonstrates techniques on the instrument. In addition, Matsumi is available to teach about the differences between Japanese and Western-style musical notation and can tell traditional Japanese stories with koto accompaniment. CONTENT STANDARD CONNECTIONS: The Arts: Aesthetics & Art Criticism; Historical & Cultural Connections; Creating, Presenting & Performing Social Sciences: World History; Geography |