Gagaku Musician
ががくがくしゅ
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A gagaku musician is a profession that specializes in playing instruments such as the hichiriki, ryūteki, shō, etc., in Japan's traditional court music 'Gagaku'.
Description
Gagaku musicians are instrumentalists of gagaku, the court music transmitted from ancient China. They primarily master specialized techniques on instruments such as the hichiriki, ryūteki, shō, biwa, and koto, and perform ritual music and bugaku while affiliated with Reigakusha or shrines and temples. Since performances are strictly based on traditional kangen-fu notation, advanced score-reading skills and precise rhythmic sense are required. They also handle the inheritance and research of performance techniques, as well as instructing successors, contributing to the preservation of gagaku as a cultural property.
Future Outlook
Successor shortages and aging are challenges, but demand remains stable due to cultural property protection and tourism promotion. Opportunities for performance streaming using digital technology and international cultural exchanges are also increasing.
Personality Traits
Curious and inquisitive / High concentration / Meticulous / Polite and courteous
Work Style
Cultural Exchange Duties / Freelance / Performance Duties / Research and Education / Shrine and Temple Employment
Career Path
Gagaku School Trainee → Music Department Affiliated Musician → Chief Musician → Music Director/Master → Traditional Music Researcher/Educator
Required Skills
Classical Japanese Music Theory / Gagaku Instrument Performance / Score Reading Ability (Kangen-fu) / Stage Performance Experience
Recommended Skills
Historical Document Research / Instruction and Education Ability / Instrument Maintenance and Tuning / Music Theory
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it is necessary to accurately reproduce subtle differences in the score. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Because it is necessary to continuously acquire classical performance techniques and diverse repertoires. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because it is necessary to precisely synchronize with other musicians and dancers. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because advanced mathematical or quantitative analysis is not required during performance. |
Aliases
- Gagaku Musician
- Gagaku Performer
Related Jobs
- Japanese Traditional Music Performer
- Koto Player
- Noh Performer
- Shakuhachi Player