Shima Kobayashi (Chromatic Harmonica)
After becoming the winner of the World Harmonica Championships in 1995, Shima studied chromatic harmonica with Tommy Reilly in the UK under the Japanese Government Overseas Study Programme for Artists. She has given concerts throughout Japan and internationally and has released the solo albums ‘Golden Girl’ and ‘Chromatic!’ on the Japanese FONTEC label (both now available for streaming).
Shima moved to the UK in 2004. During the period 2008-2015, she embarked on a new period of academic study, gaining a BAHons degree in Social Sciences with Psychology (Open University) and a Professional Practice Certificate in Kodály Music Education (University of Roehampton). Shima then returned to musical activity with a renewed passion for performing and with a fresh focus on music education, working for the Buckinghamshire Music Trust as harmonica/piano tutor.
Her repertoire includes classical harmonica works written since 1950, including chamber music as well as larger works such as harmonica concertos. She is passionate to create new works for the harmonica in collaboration with contemporary composers. She explores further creative possibilities of music making as a member of the London-based improvising music collective ‘Orchestra New’.
In 2022, Shima performed M. Spivakovsky’s Harmonica Concerto as soloist with the Misbourne Symphony Orchestra. In the summer of 2023, she performed in Japan, including music written by her for Oscar Wilde’s story ‘The Happy Prince’.
She is active in giving tuition, workshops and seminars to people of all ages to increase involvement in playing the harmonica and in sharing the undiscovered charm of chromatic harmonica music with the next generation of musicians. Shima has been one of the supporting artists for the Japan Foundation for Regional Art-Activities.
Timeline
Harmonica Journey Began
I was 13 when I listened to the chromatic harmonica for the first time . I became a pupil of Joe Sakimoto. I took my harmonica with me when I left my Japanese family to study in USA when I was 16. I made up my mind to become a professional harmonica player when I was there.
1993-1995
Take Off
I didn’t take a conventional route to go to music school. Private lessons and working as an usher at the then iconic concert venue Casals Hall in Tokyo. This was my learning platform, listening to amazing performances there inspired me. I began performing professionally.
1995-1997
Real Learning
The chance to study with harmonica legend Tommy Reilly was made possible by becoming World Harmonica Championship winner. I was able to stay in the UK for a year through a Japanese government grant and stayed at his estate. 24/7 learning – very lucky!
1998-2003
Lots of Exciting Things
My life got very busy after finishing my study with Tommy. Lots of concerts, media appearances, CD launches, projects as artist-in-residence. Phew, lots of travelling done.
2004-2015
More Learning
I moved to UK. after a while, I had to put music activities on hold while looking after my baby! I learnt to teach piano, also I took a degree course in Social Science with psychological studies, and also Kodaly music education. And moreover, learning how to raise a happy child.
2015-2020
Back in Action
I used to think I can’t teach, but started to teach anyway. Not so much of harmonica but piano lessons. Keyboard instruments provide a foundation to develop music literacy and it’s rewarding to see children develop musicality and enjoy playing music. I began playing the harmonica again with a more refreshed approach than before.
2020-
New Beginning
Sometimes a small thing triggers an avalanche of other actions. The corona pandemic led me to do loads of Zoom lessons, then led me to discover online Sho lessons in Japan. I always wanted to learn about sho, as it is related to the harmonica. I was asked to write about my teacher Tommy for his biography. This process of writing reignited my passion for the harmonica playing and get active again. Hello world!