Keiko Matsui Japanese pianist and composer Date of Birth: 26.07.1961 Country: Japan

1. Biography of Keiko Matsui
2. Early Life and Education
3. Music Career
4. Influence and Inspiration
5. Recognition and Awards

Biography of Keiko Matsui

Keiko Matsui is a Japanese pianist and composer known for her music in the new age and jazz genres. She has released 20 albums and gained international recognition for her work.

Early Life and Education

Keiko Matsui was born on July 26, 1961, in Tokyo, Japan. She started playing the piano and composing music at the age of five. She attended the Japanese Women's University, where she specialized in child culture. During her time there, she also received training supported by the Yamaha Music Foundation.

Music Career

At the age of 17, Matsui signed a contract with Yamaha for studio recordings. In 1982, she founded the group Cosmos and recorded seven albums of jazz fusion music with them. Her husband, Kazu Matsui, is a producer and collaborates with Keiko on her music. He also contributes by playing the shakuhachi, a Japanese bamboo flute, on some of her tracks.

Influence and Inspiration

Keiko Matsui's passion for music began when her mother, Emiko Doi, a teacher of traditional Japanese dance, took her to piano lessons at the age of five. According to Japanese superstition, starting piano lessons on June 1st after a child's fifth birthday would become a significant part of their life. Keiko was captivated by her first lesson and excelled in her studies. During her time in middle school, her favorite musicians included Stevie Wonder, Rachmaninoff, and Sibelius. She also enjoyed film music composed by Maurice Jarre and Nino Rota. Chick Corea became her favorite jazz musician.

Recognition and Awards

Keiko Matsui received her higher education from the Japanese Women's University, specializing in child culture. After several years of private lessons with her first teacher, she began studying music at the Yamaha Music Foundation. She quickly became one of the top students and, at the age of 17, received her first recording offer from Yamaha System. In the same year, she composed her first serious composition for a film. She went on to form her own jazz group, "Cosmos," and recorded four albums with them. In 1999, Matsui was honored as the best jazz artist of the year at the Oasis Awards ceremony.