NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 21, 2006) — Yamaha artist
Philippe Saisse proved it is a small world after all when he taught a live piano lesson from
Yamaha Artist Services, Inc. in New York City to students in Japan. On October 9, history was made when Saisse used the Yamaha Remote Music Lesson System to lead a workshop for approximately 100 students thousands of miles away at the Yamaha Music Academy in Hiyoshi, Yokohama, Japan.
"I am totally grateful for the interest that Yamaha has shown in choosing me for this ground breaking broadcast and the warm reception by all of the staff. It will always be a memorable moment in my career," comments Saisse.
Concurs Saisse's manager Ramon Hervey, "It was truly remarkable to experience. I know Philippe thoroughly enjoyed it and was truly honored to have been selected for such a historical event and a technological advancement in cultural/musical exchange and education."
With the Yamaha Remote Music Lesson System, music lessons can be conducted even if the teacher and the student are at different places, without feeling the distance between them. The instrument at each place is connected by an optical line, and in addition to the sound and picture of TV telephones, performance information such as volume, tone color and pedal are sent and received in real time.
"I have been studying and developing the Yamaha Remote Lesson System for seven years so far. Philippe's workshop is the most impressive event for me, because I recognized how this kind of remote workshop from the U.S. could enlighten and excite the students so much. I believe the Yamaha Remote Music Lesson System has advantages in both the
Disklavier business and
music education," says Alex Endo, manager of music software research and development, Music Research Laboratory, Yamaha Music Foundation.
Although there are some restrictions depending on the instrument that is used, basically any instrument with a MIDI terminal is capable of utilizing this system. As the instrument in front of you is producing the sound, you can simultaneously hear the performance of someone far away without impairing the music. The Yamaha Remote Music Lesson System is not yet available to the public, but is currently being tested and studied.
Saisse is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music where he received the prestigious Paul Winter Scholarship. He has played
keyboards for Chaka Khan, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, the B-52s, Vanessa Williams, Rod Stewart, and Tina Turner, just to name a few. Saisse has composed for David Sanborn, Al Jarreau and Al Di Meola, and became co-music director/keyboardist for Sanborn's
Night Music show on NBC. Even with his varied roles as musician, songwriter, producer, arranger and composer, Saisse also has a successful solo career.
