The Reason is available at https://musiconpublications.com/product/the-reason-by-naoko-takada/ Mallets Used- Naoko Takada Soloist Mallets #3 by Encore Mallets, Inc. Naoko Takada mallets and music available at https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/s?keyword=naoko+takada www.facebook.com/naokomarimba www.naokotakada.com Instagram naokomarimba Business Inquiry-naokomarimba@gmail.com Memories by Naoko Takada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJwOpoGDNgA&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=8 Courante from Cello Suite No.1 by J.S. Bach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4KqeQLBrYo Prelude in C by J.S. Bach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5M7jaVY9bc&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=5 Watermark by Enya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp_9THon2KE&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=3 Bronze at the Temple from Japanese Folk Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpUFHYJdXrw&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&start_radio=1 Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 in G major https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bcxl... FAQ- -Where do I teach? University of Southern California, Los Angeles -What competitions did I win? First Prizes-Young Concert Artists International Competition, Houston Symphony Imma Hog Young National Artists Competition, the Scranton Young International Artist Competition, Japan International League of Artists Competition, IBLA Grand Prize International Competition Marimba Special Award, S and R Washington Award etc. -What mallets Do I recommend for warming up? As always, I use Encore NT concerto #5 mallets (green) by Encore. This is the mallets I use to warm up and check my techniques everyday. They are soft but project clear sound I can identify any subtle mistakes. -What mallets do I recommend for auditions with Bach Violin Sonatas? NTConcerto #4,#5, and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Cello Suites? NT Concerto #5, #6 and #7 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Lute Suites or Piano arrangements? NT Soloist(grey) #3,#4 #5 and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for contemporary pieces? NT Concerto #1, #2, #3, #4. NT Soloists #1, #2 #3 and #4 -What mallets do I recommend for all other pieces? NT Soloists #1-#6. -What mallets do I recommend for concerto? NT Concerto #1-#4 Profile- World renown marimbist, Naoko Takada has toured the world and the US performing solo recitals in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Konzarthaus in Berlin, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York, and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She was the chief judge for the Southern California International Marimba Competition and has been a judge for many international Marimba, Percussion, Percussion Ensemble such as Percussive Arts Society international Competitions and Italy PAS Marimba Competition. The Time Picayune quoted as saying “No one needs a critic when an audience leaps to its feet, calling a star soloist back for three encores.” Takada’s talent was first apparent at age eleven when she was selected to perform a concerto with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and has since performed with many orchestras such as China National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke, Houston Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Xalapa Symphony, and West Los Angeles Symphony. She has also appeared as a guest artist for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and NAMN show in Anaheim. In 2004, she played in the “Wall of Gang Camp Gala” hosted by Paul Newman and shared a stage with Hollywood stars Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, and Danny Glover. She has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Show as one of the featured Taiko performers accompanying Christina Aguilera in 2020. She teaches marimba at the University of Southern California. She devotes herself to educational outreach programs such as Midori and Friends in New York City. Takada won many First Prizes including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and presented her New York debut at the 92nd Street Y, sponsored by the Peter Jay Sharp Prize. In May 2004, Ms. Takada performed the New York premiere of composer Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto with Leonard Slatkin conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in Lincoln Center. In 2006, she was awarded the S & R Washington Award, a prize that supports artists who contribute to cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Her other awards include First Prizes at the Houston Symphony Ima Hogg National Young Artist Competition and at the 2001 Sorantin Young Artists International Competition in Texas, the Marimba Special Prize at the 2001 IBLA Grand Prize International Competition in Italy and First Prize in the 2000 Japan International League of Artists Competition in Tokyo, etc.

Naoko Takada's adaptation for marimba solo $8 http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/debussy-arabesque-1-arranged-naoko-takada/marimba-solo The Bronze at the temple video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpUFH... Other Naoko Takada mallets and music available at https://www.steveweissmusic.com/categ... www.facebook.com/naokomarimba www.naokotakada.com Instagram-naokomarimba Lessons/Business Inquiry-naokomarimba@gmail.com Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 in G major https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bcxl... lesson 1 warm up before auditions/competitions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JLLQ... lesson 2-how to play "Memories"by Naoko Takada on 4 octave marimba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVeU2... lesson 3-how do I check if my double stops are competitive? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpkEj... For my beating spots #s, please watch lesson 4 and 5 Lesson 4 review for playing ONLY center practice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvfgu... Lesson 5 Matching beating spots for extreme edge sweet spots #1-#7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZF9D... Mixed beating spots performance at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bcxl... lesson 6 Basic Arpeggio for Auditions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2am62... lesson 7 Advanced Arpeggio(6 notes) for Auditions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtlDr... FAQ- -Where do I teach? University of Southern California, Los Angeles -What mallets Do I recommend for warming up? As always, I use Encore NT concerto #5 mallets (green) by Encore. This is the mallets I use to warm up and check my techniques everyday. They are soft but project clear sound I can identify any subtle mistakes. -What mallets do I recommend for auditions with Bach Violin Sonatas? NT Concerto #4,#5, and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Cello Suites? NT Concerto #5, #6 and #7 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Lute Suites or Piano arrangements? NT Soloist(grey) #3,#4 #5 and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for contemporary pieces? NT Concerto #1, #2, #3, #4. NT Soloists #1, #2 #3 and #4 -What mallets do I recommend for all other pieces? NT Soloists #1-#6. -What mallets do I recommend for concerto? NT Concerto #1-#4 Profile- World renown marimbist, Naoko Takada has toured the world and the US performing solo recitals in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Konzarthaus in Berlin, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York, and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She was the chief judge for the Southern California International Marimba Competition and has been a judge for many international Marimba, Percussion, Percussion Ensemble such as Percussive Arts Society international Competitions and Italy PAS Marimba Competition. The Time Picayune quoted as saying “No one needs a critic when an audience leaps to its feet, calling a star soloist back for three encores.” Takada’s talent was first apparent at age eleven when she was selected to perform a concerto with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and has since performed with many orchestras such as China National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke, Houston Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Xalapa Symphony, and West Los Angeles Symphony. She has also appeared as a guest artist for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and NAMN show in Anaheim. In 2004, she played in the “Wall of Gang Camp Gala” hosted by Paul Newman and shared a stage with Hollywood stars Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, and Danny Glover. She has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Show as one of the featured Taiko performers accompanying Christina Aguilera in 2020. She teaches marimba at the University of Southern California. She devotes herself to educational outreach programs such as Midori and Friends in New York City. Takada won many First Prizes including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and presented her New York debut at the 92nd Street Y, sponsored by the Peter Jay Sharp Prize. In May 2004, Ms. Takada performed the New York premiere of composer Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto with Leonard Slatkin conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in Lincoln Center. In 2006, she was awarded the S & R Washington Award, a prize that supports artists who contribute to cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Her other awards include First Prizes at the Houston Symphony Ima Hogg National Young Artist Competition and at the 2001 Sorantin Young Artists International Competition in Texas, the Marimba Special Prize at the 2001 IBLA Grand Prize International Competition in Italy and First Prize in the 2000 Japan International League of Artists Competition in Tokyo, etc.

Marimba Concerto No. 5 - The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter by Chin Cheng Lin Marimba Soloist - Naoko Takada (www.naokotakada.com) Kioi Sinfonietta Tokyo conducted by Maestro Nabil Shehata Mallets used- Naoko Takada Concerto NT #2(hard) and #1(super hard) by Encore Mallets, Inc. Naoko Takada mallets and music available at https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/s?keyword=naoko+takada www.facebook.com/naokomarimba www.naokotakada.com Instagram naokomarimba Business Inquiry-naokomarimba@gmail.com Other videos- Inamori's other pieces performed by Naoko Takada Bronze at the temple(from Japanese Song Suite I $12) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpUFHYJdXrw Mother's Song (from Japanese Song Suite I $12) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xG4EIzAOF8Y lesson 1 warm up before auditions/competitions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JLLQ... lesson 2-how to play "Memories"by Naoko Takada on 4 octave marimba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVeU2... lesson 3-how do I check if my double stops are competitive? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpkEj... For my beating spots #s, please watch lesson 4 and 5 Lesson 4 review for playing ONLY center practice https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvfguSu1cFA Lesson 5 Matching beating spots for extreme edge sweet spots #1-#7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZF9D7cgYZw&t=104s Mixed beating spots performance at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BcxlwlxYW0 lesson 6 Basic Arpeggio for Auditions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2am6287XwlM lesson 7 Advanced Arpeggio(6 notes) for Auditions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtlDrJ6jMpM FAQ- -Where do I teach? University of Southern California, Los Angeles -What mallets Do I recommend for warming up? As always, I use Encore NT concerto #5 mallets (green) by Encore. This is the mallets I use to warm up and check my techniques everyday. They are soft but project clear sound I can identify any subtle mistakes. -What mallets do I recommend for auditions with Bach Violin Sonatas? NTConcerto #4,#5, and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Cello Suites? NT Concerto #5, #6 and #7 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Lute Suites or Piano arrangements? NT Soloist(grey) #3,#4 #5 and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for contemporary pieces? NT Concerto #1, #2, #3, #4. NT Soloists #1, #2 #3 and #4 -What mallets do I recommend for all other pieces? NT Soloists #1-#6. -What mallets do I recommend for concerto? NT Concerto #1-#4 Profile- World renown marimbist, Naoko Takada has toured the world and the US performing solo recitals in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Konzarthaus in Berlin, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York, and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She was the chief judge for the Southern California International Marimba Competition and has been a judge for many international Marimba, Percussion, Percussion Ensemble such as Percussive Arts Society international Competitions and Italy PAS Marimba Competition. The Time Picayune quoted as saying “No one needs a critic when an audience leaps to its feet, calling a star soloist back for three encores.” Takada’s talent was first apparent at age eleven when she was selected to perform a concerto with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and has since performed with many orchestras such as China National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke, Houston Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Xalapa Symphony, and West Los Angeles Symphony. She has also appeared as a guest artist for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and NAMN show in Anaheim. In 2004, she played in the “Wall of Gang Camp Gala” hosted by Paul Newman and shared a stage with Hollywood stars Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, and Danny Glover. She has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Show as one of the featured Taiko performers accompanying Christina Aguilera in 2020. She teaches marimba at the University of Southern California. She devotes herself to educational outreach programs such as Midori and Friends in New York City. Takada won many First Prizes including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and presented her New York debut at the 92nd Street Y, sponsored by the Peter Jay Sharp Prize. In May 2004, Ms. Takada performed the New York premiere of composer Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto with Leonard Slatkin conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in Lincoln Center. In 2006, she was awarded the S & R Washington Award, a prize that supports artists who contribute to cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Her other awards include First Prizes at the Houston Symphony Ima Hogg National Young Artist Competition and at the 2001 Sorantin Young Artists International Competition in Texas, the Marimba Special Prize at the 2001 IBLA Grand Prize International Competition in Italy and First Prize in the 2000 Japan International League of Artists Competition in Tokyo, etc. Recorded live at Kioi Hall during the 15th anniversary concerts for S and R Foundation, January 2016 • http://www.sandr.org/

Program As Her Love Fades by Scott Ouellette (https://souellettegtr.wixsite.com/scott-ouellette/original-compositions) Allemande from Lute Suite in E minor by Bach The Reason by Naoko Takada Memories by Naoko Takada Shadow Box by Darragh O'Neill (http://darraghoneill.com/store/) Naoko Takada music/mallets available at https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/s?keyword=naoko+takada www.facebook.com/naokomarimba www.naokotakada.com Instagram naokomarimba Business Inquiry-naokomarimba@gmail.com Memories (excerpt) by Naoko Takada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJwOpoGDNgA&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=8 Courante from Cello Suite No.1 by J.S. Bach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4KqeQLBrYo Prelude in C by J.S. Bach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5M7jaVY9bc&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=5 Watermark by Enya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp_9THon2KE&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=3 Bronze at the Temple from Japanese Folk Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpUFHYJdXrw&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&start_radio=1 Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 in G major https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bcxl... FAQ- -Where do I teach? University of Southern California, Los Angeles -What competitions did I win? First Prizes-Young Concert Artists International Competition, Houston Symphony Imma Hog Young National Artists Competition, the Scranton Young International Artist Competition, Japan International League of Artists Competition, IBLA Grand Prize International Competition Marimba Special Award, S and R Washington Award etc. -What mallets Do I recommend for warming up? As always, I use Encore NT concerto #5 mallets (green) by Encore. This is the mallets I use to warm up and check my techniques everyday. They are soft but project clear sound I can identify any subtle mistakes. -What mallets do I recommend for auditions with Bach Violin Sonatas? NTConcerto #4,#5, and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Cello Suites? NT Concerto #5, #6 and #7 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Lute Suites or Piano arrangements? NT Soloist(grey) #3,#4 #5 and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for contemporary pieces? NT Concerto #1, #2, #3, #4. NT Soloists #1, #2 #3 and #4 -What mallets do I recommend for all other pieces? NT Soloists #1-#6. -What mallets do I recommend for concerto? NT Concerto #1-#4 Profile- World renown marimbist, Naoko Takada has toured the world and the US performing solo recitals in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Konzarthaus in Berlin, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York, and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She was the chief judge for the Southern California International Marimba Competition and has been a judge for many international Marimba, Percussion, Percussion Ensemble such as Percussive Arts Society international Competitions and Italy PAS Marimba Competition. The Time Picayune quoted as saying “No one needs a critic when an audience leaps to its feet, calling a star soloist back for three encores.” Takada’s talent was first apparent at age eleven when she was selected to perform a concerto with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and has since performed with many orchestras such as China National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke, Houston Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Xalapa Symphony, and West Los Angeles Symphony. She has also appeared as a guest artist for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and NAMN show in Anaheim. In 2004, she played in the “Wall of Gang Camp Gala” hosted by Paul Newman and shared a stage with Hollywood stars Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, and Danny Glover. She has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Show as one of the featured Taiko performers accompanying Christina Aguilera in 2020. She teaches marimba at the University of Southern California. She devotes herself to educational outreach programs such as Midori and Friends in New York City. Takada won many First Prizes including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and presented her New York debut at the 92nd Street Y, sponsored by the Peter Jay Sharp Prize. In May 2004, Ms. Takada performed the New York premiere of composer Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto with Leonard Slatkin conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in Lincoln Center. In 2006, she was awarded the S & R Washington Award, a prize that supports artists who contribute to cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Her other awards include First Prizes at the Houston Symphony Ima Hogg National Young Artist Competition and at the 2001 Sorantin Young Artists International Competition in Texas, the Marimba Special Prize at the 2001 IBLA Grand Prize International Competition in Italy and First Prize in the 2000 Japan International League of Artists Competition in Tokyo, etc.

This is simple yet sensitive and beautiful. This is the music I listen to when I want to relax my mind. https://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/bach-prelude-in-c-arranged-naoko-takada/marimba-solo Mallets used -Naoko Takada Soloist Mallets #6 #5 #5 #5 by Encore Mallets, Inc. Sheet music and mallets both available at https://www.steveweissmusic.com/categ... www.facebook.com/naokomarimba www.naokotakada.com Instagram naokomarimba Business Inquiry-naokomarimba@gmail.com Happy Birthday Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZQ_M... Pink Panther https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdvuK... Mother's Day Song by Robin Sharp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfvY4... Allemande from Lute Suite in E minor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bb00... Prelude II in c minor from Tempered Klavier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLCnh... Fugue II in c minor from Tempered Klavier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMSXI... Cello Suite No.2 -Gigue in d minor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oknST... Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 in G major https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bcxl... Siciliano for solo marimba from Flute Sonata(with piano accompaniment) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpLkR... Gavotte in E major from Violin Sonata https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkNF1... FAQ- -Where do I teach? I teach private lessons in Los Angeles and Online! I teach at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles -What competitions did I win? First Prizes-Young Concert Artists International Competition, Houston Symphony Imma Hog Young National Artists Competition, the Scranton Young International Artist Competition, Japan International League of Artists Competition, IBLA Grand Prize International Competition Marimba Special Award, S and R Washington Award etc. -What mallets Do I recommend for warming up? As always, I use Encore NT concerto #5 mallets (green) by Encore. This is the mallets I use to warm up and check my techniques everyday. They are soft but project clear sound I can identify any subtle mistakes. -What mallets do I recommend for auditions with Bach Violin Sonatas? NTConcerto #4,#5, and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Cello Suites? NT Concerto #5, #6 and #7 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Lute Suites or Piano arrangements? NT Soloist(grey) #3,#4 #5 and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for contemporary pieces? NT Concerto #1, #2, #3, #4. NT Soloists #1, #2 #3 and #4 -What mallets do I recommend for all other pieces? NT Soloists #1-#6. -What mallets do I recommend for concerto? NT Concerto #1-#4 Profile- World renown marimbist, Naoko Takada has toured the world and the US performing solo recitals in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Konzarthaus in Berlin, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York, and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She was the chief judge for the Southern California International Marimba Competition and has been a judge for many international Marimba, Percussion, Percussion Ensemble such as Percussive Arts Society international Competitions and Italy PAS Marimba Competition. The Time Picayune quoted as saying “No one needs a critic when an audience leaps to its feet, calling a star soloist back for three encores.” Takada’s talent was first apparent at age eleven when she was selected to perform a concerto with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and has since performed with many orchestras such as China National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke, Houston Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Xalapa Symphony, and West Los Angeles Symphony. She has also appeared as a guest artist for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and NAMN show in Anaheim. In 2004, she played in the “Wall of Gang Camp Gala” hosted by Paul Newman and shared a stage with Hollywood stars Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, and Danny Glover. She has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Show as one of the featured Taiko performers accompanying Christina Aguilera in 2020. She teaches marimba at the University of Southern California. She devotes herself to educational outreach programs such as Midori and Friends in New York City. Takada won many First Prizes including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and presented her New York debut at the 92nd Street Y, sponsored by the Peter Jay Sharp Prize. In May 2004, Ms. Takada performed the New York premiere of composer Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto with Leonard Slatkin conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in Lincoln Center. In 2006, she was awarded the S & R Washington Award, a prize that supports artists who contribute to cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Her other awards include First Prizes at the Houston Symphony Ima Hogg National Young Artist Competition and at the 2001 Sorantin Young Artists International Competition in Texas, the Marimba Special Prize at the 2001 IBLA Grand Prize International Competition in Italy and First Prize in the 2000 Japan International League of Artists Competition in Tokyo, etc.

Featuring amazing Will McVay(on video), Brice Burton, Elizabeth Kosko and Matt Richards- from USC Percussion Ensemble Spring Concert 2016 FAQ- Solo Percussion improves starts at 10'35", Solo Marimba improve starts at 10"58" Mallets used-Naoko Takada Concerto Series #3 #2 #2#2 Sheet music and mallets both available at https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/s?keyword=naoko+takada www.facebook.com/naokomarimba www.naokotakada.com Instagram naokomarimba Business Inquiry-naokomarimba@gmail.com Happy Birthday Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZQ_MIMLsvs Pink Panther https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdvuK8E3A1s&t=10s Mother's Day Song by Robin Sharp https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfvY4HwP7fM Allemande from Lute Suite in E minor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bb00iJIiz4 Prelude II in c minor from Tempered Klavier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLCnh9TUVck Fugue II in c minor from Tempered Klavier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMSXIYr0IUg Cello Suite No.2 -Gigue in d minor https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oknSTORH1cQ Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 in G major https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bcxl... Siciliano for solo marimba from Flute Sonata(with piano accompaniment) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpLkR2xQToU Gavotte in E major from Violin Sonata https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkNF1eLFRCg&t=29s lesson 1 warm-up before auditions/competitions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JLLQ... lesson 2-how to play "Memories" by Naoko Takada on 4-octave marimba https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVeU2... lesson 3-how do I check if my double stops are competitive? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpkEj... For my beating spots #s, please watch lesson 4 and 5 Lesson 5 Matching beating spots for extreme edge sweet spots #1-#7 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZF9D7cgYZw&t=104s Mixed beating spots performance at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BcxlwlxYW0 -Where do I teach? I teach at the University of Southern California. I do a private lesson at my studio or online lessons worldwide. Please write to me at naokomarimba@gmail.com -What mallets Do I recommend for warming up? I use Encore NT concerto #5 mallets (green) by Encore. This is the mallets I use to warm up and check my techniques every day. They are soft but project clear sound I can identify any subtle mistakes. I use these mallets for Bach too. -What mallets do I recommend for auditions with Bach Violin Sonatas? NTConcerto #4,#5, and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Cello Suites? NT Concerto #5, #6 and #7 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Lute Suites or Piano arrangements? NT Soloist(grey) #3,#4 #5 and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for contemporary pieces? NT Concerto #1, #2, #3, #4. NT Soloists #1, #2 #3 and #4 -What mallets do I recommend for all other pieces? NT Soloists #1-#6. -What mallets do I recommend for concerto? NT Concerto #1-#4 Takada won many First Prizes including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and presented her New York debut at the 92nd Street Y, sponsored by the Peter Jay Sharp Prize. In May 2004, Ms. Takada performed the New York premiere of composer Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto with Leonard Slatkin conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in Lincoln Center. In 2006, she was awarded the S & R Washington Award, a prize that supports artists who contribute to cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Her other awards include First Prizes at the Houston Symphony Ima Hogg National Young Artist Competition and at the 2001 Sorantin Young Artists International Competition in Texas, the Marimba Special Prize at the 2001 IBLA Grand Prize International Competition in Italy and First Prize in the 2000 Japan International League of Artists Competition in Tokyo, etc. Naoko Takada has toured the world and the US performing solo recitals in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Konzarthaus in Berlin, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York, and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She was the chief judge for the Southern California International Marimba Competition and has been a judge for many international Marimba, Percussion, Percussion Ensemble such as Percussive Arts Society international Competitions and Italy PAS Marimba Competition. Takada’s talent was first apparent at age eleven when she was selected to perform a concerto with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and has since performed with many orchestras such as China National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke, Houston Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Xalapa Symphony, West Los Angeles Symphony, etc. She has also appeared as a guest artist for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and NAMN show in Anaheim. In 2004, she played in the “Wall of Gang Camp Gala” hosted by Paul Newman and shared a stage with Hollywood stars Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, and Danny Glover. She has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Show as one of the featured Taiko performers accompanying Christina Aguilera in 2020.

Marimba Concerto No. 5 - The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter by Chin Cheng Lin Marimba Soloist - Naoko Takada (www.naokotakada.com) Kioi Sinfonietta Tokyo conducted by Maestro Nabil Shehata Mallets used -Naoko Takada Concerto Mallets #1 #2 #2 #2 Recorded live at Kioi Hall during the 15th anniversary concerts for S and R Foundation January 2016 • http://www.sandr.org/

http://www.mostlymarimba.com/books-a-recordings/music-books.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v3.tpl&product_id=1092&category_id=747&keyword=paul+fowler http://www.paulfowler.net/ Michiyuki (road to death) is a chapter from a classic Japanese puppet play called "Love Suicide at Sonezaki" by Monzaemon Chikamatsu. Story is just like Romeo and Juliet. A couple who are not supposed to be in love are in love. In this chapter, they will decide to...... https://www.amazon.com/Four-Major-Plays-Chikamatsu/dp/0231111010/ref=pd_sbs_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=BBDV906PXBXDB95ESXZD

Mallets Used- Naoko Takada Soloist Mallets #3 and #4 by Encore. Currently available from bruce@saylerpercussion.com https://www.steveweissmusic.com/category/s?keyword=naoko+takada www.facebook.com/naokomarimba www.naokotakada.com Instagram naokomarimba Business Inquiry-naokomarimba@gmail.com Memories (excerpt) by Naoko Takada https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJwOpoGDNgA&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=8 Courante from Cello Suite No.1 by J.S. Bach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4KqeQLBrYo Prelude in C by J.S. Bach https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5M7jaVY9bc&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=5 Watermark by Enya https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp_9THon2KE&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&index=3 Bronze at the Temple from Japanese Folk Song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpUFHYJdXrw&list=RDNpUFHYJdXrw&start_radio=1 Prelude from Cello Suite No.1 in G major https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Bcxl... FAQ- -Where do I teach? University of Southern California, Los Angeles -What competitions did I win? First Prizes-Young Concert Artists International Competition, Houston Symphony Imma Hog Young National Artists Competition, the Scranton Young International Artist Competition, Japan International League of Artists Competition, IBLA Grand Prize International Competition Marimba Special Award, S and R Washington Award etc. -What mallets Do I recommend for warming up? As always, I use Encore NT concerto #5 mallets (green) by Encore. This is the mallets I use to warm up and check my techniques everyday. They are soft but project clear sound I can identify any subtle mistakes. -What mallets do I recommend for auditions with Bach Violin Sonatas? NTConcerto #4,#5, and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Cello Suites? NT Concerto #5, #6 and #7 -What mallets do I recommend for Bach Lute Suites or Piano arrangements? NT Soloist(grey) #3,#4 #5 and #6 -What mallets do I recommend for contemporary pieces? NT Concerto #1, #2, #3, #4. NT Soloists #1, #2 #3 and #4 -What mallets do I recommend for all other pieces? NT Soloists #1-#6. -What mallets do I recommend for concerto? NT Concerto #1-#4 Profile- World renown marimbist, Naoko Takada has toured the world and the US performing solo recitals in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Konzarthaus in Berlin, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Lincoln Center in New York, and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. She was the chief judge for the Southern California International Marimba Competition and has been a judge for many international Marimba, Percussion, Percussion Ensemble such as Percussive Arts Society international Competitions and Italy PAS Marimba Competition. The Time Picayune quoted as saying “No one needs a critic when an audience leaps to its feet, calling a star soloist back for three encores.” Takada’s talent was first apparent at age eleven when she was selected to perform a concerto with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra and has since performed with many orchestras such as China National Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke, Houston Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Xalapa Symphony, and West Los Angeles Symphony. She has also appeared as a guest artist for the Percussive Arts Society International Convention, and NAMN show in Anaheim. In 2004, she played in the “Wall of Gang Camp Gala” hosted by Paul Newman and shared a stage with Hollywood stars Bruce Willis, Meryl Streep, and Danny Glover. She has also appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Show as one of the featured Taiko performers accompanying Christina Aguilera in 2020. She teaches marimba at the University of Southern California. She devotes herself to educational outreach programs such as Midori and Friends in New York City. Takada won many First Prizes including the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, and presented her New York debut at the 92nd Street Y, sponsored by the Peter Jay Sharp Prize. In May 2004, Ms. Takada performed the New York premiere of composer Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto with Leonard Slatkin conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in Lincoln Center. In 2006, she was awarded the S & R Washington Award, a prize that supports artists who contribute to cultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan. Her other awards include First Prizes at the Houston Symphony Ima Hogg National Young Artist Competition and at the 2001 Sorantin Young Artists International Competition in Texas, the Marimba Special Prize at the 2001 IBLA Grand Prize International Competition in Italy and First Prize in the 2000 Japan International League of Artists Competition in Tokyo, etc.