Keeping Japan’s Traditional Music Alive: Koto Player Curtis Patterson

Patterson practices the koto in his small apartment in Meguro, Tokyo, where he also gives private lessons.

A photo of the late, great koto master Tadao Sawai watches Patterson from above.

The koto strings are plucked with picks called tsume on the forefinger, middle finger, and thumb of the right hand (left). The sound of a note after it is played can be easily manipulated by pressing and pulling on the strings with the left hand.

Patterson teaches koto to fifth graders at the Yokohama International School.

Students kneel on a carpet, don their picks, and practice under Patterson’s tutelage.

Patterson has more than 10 kotos at home, including a recent purchase, a top-grade instrument made by a skilled craftsman worth more than ¥1 million yen.