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Hideki Machida: From Banker to Oboist

Publish: July 12, 2022

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  • Hideki Machida

    Other : OboistFaculty of Economics Graduate

    1997 Economics

    Hideki Machida

    Other : OboistFaculty of Economics Graduate

    1997 Economics

I have lived in Munich for 23 years. I started playing the oboe immediately after entering ÎçÒ¹¾ç³¡ Futsubu School and spent most of my life on music until graduating from university. However, as graduation approached, I felt the need to become independent as a member of society and worked hard on job hunting, eventually joining Sumitomo Trust & Banking (now Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank). I then spent three and a half years living as a serious banker.

However, around 1999, the wave of the IT revolution arrived, and along with the great changes in the world, a storm began to rage in my heart. The thought, "Isn't living as a musician my true life?" began to swell within me. That said, I knew full well that the world is not so easy. With the encouragement of my mentor, I decided to have my playing heard by Yoko Kojima of the NHK Symphony Orchestra, who was a leading figure at the time. She was famous for being very strict, and I went prepared to be scolded, but she gave me unexpected words: "You should do music. Go study abroad!" Following that advice, I auditioned for the Richard Strauss Conservatory in Munich and was accepted into the elite class of Professor Fran?ois Leleux¡ªthe oboist I respected most¡ªwhich consisted of only three students. I made up my mind once more, resigned from the bank, and two days later moved to Germany with nothing but my instrument, a PC, and myself. My life at music college began with me staying at a friend's house until I could find a home. At first, I supported myself with part-time jobs, but I think that was just right for developing a hungry spirit. Three years later, I moved to the class of the renowned teacher Professor G¨¹nther Passin at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, and being able to hone my skills through devilishly strict lessons was a very happy experience for me as a musician.

Currently, I am the principal oboist for the Taschenphilharmonie and the Jewish Chamber Orchestra Munich. I also perform in woodwind quintets and as a soloist, so my daily life consists of repeated rehearsals and concerts. After 15 years of such a fulfilling musical life, I thought, "Can I give back to Japan what I have gained in Germany?" and founded an amateur orchestra called "Kammerorchester Melodia," where I perform on the oboe and conduct. Thanks to its great popularity, the 11th concert is scheduled for August 7th this summer at Hakuju Hall in Yoyogi. I will continue to master my path while never forgetting my gratitude to everyone who supports me.

*Affiliations and titles are as of the time of publication.