Cello Report – Now Published!
"Cello Report" — How far can an adult beginner progress with the cello?
A 30-year-long personal experiment! Now available on Amazon and other stores.
Profile
About the Name "Takapi Laboratory"
"Takapi" is a long-time nickname of mine. I named my music school a “Laboratory” because it's also an experiment for me.
Music
Studied piano and solfège under Asako Matsuzawa, music theory under Sonoko Arie, and cello under Minoru Honda. Currently studying with Martin Stanzeleit.
Completed a three-year program at the Academy Course (for music graduates) at Elisabeth University of Music Extension Center.
Participated in masterclasses by Yoko Hasegawa and Jeremy Findlay.
Performed at a selected recital during the Ojika International Music Festival in Nagasaki.
Holds a performance diploma (DipABRSM) and passed ABRSM Music Theory Grade 6.
In 2014 and 2016, my composition was selected for the Short Movie category at the Bridges Conference (math & art). Screened in Gwacheon National Science Museum (Korea) and University of Jyväskylä (Finland).
Currently co-authoring and publishing a cello method book for adult amateurs with Martin Stanzeleit.
Instrument
Since 2011, I play a cello made by Bertrand Bellin – a finely crafted old-style replica.
https://www.bertrandbellin.com/
About Me
Director of Takapi Laboratory Cello School. Sometimes a cellist, sometimes a physics lecturer, sometimes a translator, sometimes a publisher. I love making things and following my curiosity.
Academic & Professional Background
Master's in Applied Physics from Fukuoka University Graduate School.
1994–2015: Assistant professor, researching high-temperature superconductivity.
2014: Part-time lecturer at Kyushu University.
2015–present: Part-time lecturer at Fukuoka University (Department of Physical Sciences).
Member of the Physical Society of Japan.
Other Info
Graduated from Fukuoka University (Applied Physics). Though I was accepted into another national university, I chose FU based on my mom’s advice to enjoy being a big fish in a small pond.
I was the only female in a class of 60 and continued working in male-dominated fields for 28 years. Because of this, I sometimes get nervous around women. Please bear with me kindly.
After years of teaching university students, my mentality hasn’t changed much—I still feel like one! Please don’t expect too much from me when it comes to adult-level manners or social conventions.
People say I’m fast with computers, but in the world of science, I’m still very much a beginner.
I eat really fast—because that was normal in my previous work environment!
I used to present mostly in Europe where there are more female researchers, because academic societies in Japan felt uncomfortably male-dominated.
My past academic record (under the name "Taka") → J-GLOBAL Profile
Hobby 1: Jam & Marmalade
Won Bronze Prize in the amateur division of the Dalemain World Marmalade Awards (Japan division)!
Hobby 2: Nature Observation
I love observing plants, wild birds, and astronomical objects.
Hobby 3: Ice Skating
Technically a former hobby. I used to practice spins and small jumps, but stopped to avoid injury. Now I enjoy watching.
Currently a Caregiver
Due to caregiving responsibilities, I rarely accept performance requests. I continue musical activities as my father’s health allows.
Publications & Original Goods
Cello Method Book Series
Co-created a cello textbook series with my mentor Martin Stanzeleit. I handled translation, filming, and editing of demonstration videos.
Original Goods
Goods featuring my own original illustrations, including lesson bags, mugs, T-shirts, and more.