Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture, and techniques of how to play this exquisite instrument in this 5-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class.
2025-2026 Schedule
- Days: Saturdays, 5-week sessions
- Beginners: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Intermediate: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
2025
- Session 1: October 4, 11, 18, 25 & November 1
- Session 2: November 8, 15, 22 & December 6, 13
2026
- Session 3: January 10, 17, 24, 31 & February 7
- Session 4: February 21, 28 & March 14, 21, 28
Class Details
Price
- $155 ($150 members) – 5 week session
Note: Class sessions run 5 weeks and are purchased as a “session only,” not individual classes.
Prerequisite
- Beginners of all levels are welcome
- Intermediate courses require approval by the instructor before registering.
Location
- Morikami Theater or Sakai Room
Materials
- Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class.
Meet Your Instructor
Emiko Koto started her koto studies in 2000 under Mrs. Yoshiko Carlton, the former koto teacher at Morikami. She also had the privilege of learning from Mrs. Kyoko Okamato, the founder of the Washington Toho Koto Society in Washington, D.C. With a solid musical foundation, Mrs. Koto performed with Mrs. Carlton at various venues, including the Morikami Museum, Epcot, conventions, schools, libraries, museums, and attending local festivals and events. Continuing Mrs. Carlton work at the Morikami, Mrs. Koto will take on the helm of teaching and inspiring new students in playing the koto.