Study piano and English in the artistic heart of Tokyo!

Located near Ueno Park, studiOK! is a piano and music studio that offers lessons in English to students of all ages. No matter your music level or English proficiency, everyone has a place at studiOK!

Kenji Kurabayashi

Originally from Emporia, Kansas, USA, I am a pianist and piano teacher living in Tokyo. In 2023, I graduated from Oberlin College and Conservatory (located in Ohio, USA) with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in English. In 2023-2024, I lived in Yakage, Okayama Prefecture, Japan, where I taught English to children in library, preschool, and elementary school settings as a Princeton in Asia fellow.

I am TEFL and TESOL certified.
*TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) / TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Ages 4-6

Because students will struggle to play the piano at this age, I will help build foundational music skills, such as rhythm, note identification, and singing. Good musicians must be good listeners, and I will help students hone their listening skills, introducing them to music of all kinds. My hope is to encourage young learners to have fun and be curious about music, as well as set them up well for piano lessons in the future.

Ages 7 and older

At the piano, I will build listening and playing skills. I teach students of any age and any level, working in the classical genre. I will work closely with the student to achieve their personal goals at the piano and with English. It is my wish for students to have a happy, longterm relationship to piano and music. Because of that, my goal is to make sure students have fun at the piano.

Good musicians must have skills outside of their instrument. I also offer separate lessons away from the piano, focused on music history, theory, listening, and English practice.

Adults

As an adult, it can be daunting to play an instrument! Whether it’s a new hobby or you’re continuing with the instrument, I want to help you achieve your personal goals. I will work closely with you to fit piano study into your weekly routine, play the music you want to play, and have fun at the instrument!

I also offer separate lessons away from the piano, focused on music history, theory, listening, and English practice.

Lesson Offerings

✰ Study music theory and music history through weekly lessons
✰ Build your listening and musicianship skills
✰ Study English through reading, writing, speaking, and listening

Music Lessons

✰ Available starting at 30 minutes per week
✰ Available for students of all ages
✰ Tailored to students’ interests, needs, and level
✰ Lessons taught away from the piano

Piano Lessons

✰ Study the practice of piano through weekly lessons
✰ Study English through speaking and listening (support in Japanese language is available)

✰ Available starting at 30 minutes per week
✰ Available for students ages 7 and up
✰ Tailored to students’ interests, needs, and level
✰ Lessons taught at the piano

Any combo of lessons is "OK!"

✰

Any combo of lessons is "OK!" ✰

“Chibiko” Plan

♪ Kenji-sensei’s recommendation♪
✰ For ages 4-6
✰ Two 30-minute music lessons per week

“Piano Plus” Plan

♪ Kenji-sensei’s recommendation ♪
✰ For ages 7+ and adults.
✰ One 30-minute piano lesson + one 30-minute music lesson per week.
✰ Make the most of your piano, music, and English study!

Anything is OK!

✰ Piano lessons, music lessons, 何でもOK!
✰ 30-minutes, 1 hour a week, 何でもOK!
✰ I will work with you to achieve your piano, music, and English goals.
✰ I am happy to offer English tutoring (separate from music), Eikaiwa lessons, or even help with college essays applications. Just ask, and we’ll make something work!

Depending on the circumstances, I can travel for lessons. Please send me a message!

If you have questions about lesson content, please let me know!

Pricing

30 minutes,
once a week

¥4000

30 minutes, twice a week
OR 1 hour, once a week

¥6000

Additional lessons

30 minutes/¥3000

As the first lesson is the initial meeting period, there is no fee.

The month’s lesson fees will be paid at the start of every month.

Let’s have fun with English and music!

Are you interested in lessons? Fill out some info and I will be in touch shortly! I am looking forward to hearing from you!