Koji Matsumoto Joins Didgeridoo Dojo as an Instructor

Didgeridoo Dojo, an online school for learning the didgeridoo, introduced Koji Matsumoto as its newest instructor in a short welcome video. At the time the video was published, the Dojo said that new lessons from Koji were coming soon. This page gives some context on the announcement and on why online music schools bring in more than one teacher.

What the video is

The video is a brief introduction rather than a lesson. Its purpose is to let students meet Koji before his lessons appear on the platform, so they can see and hear who will be teaching them. Introductions like this are common on online learning sites, where students cannot meet a teacher in person before signing up for a course.

Why online schools use several instructors

Learning a musical instrument from more than one teacher has some well-known benefits.

• Different explanations. A technique that does not make sense when one teacher describes it may click when another explains it a different way. This is especially useful with the didgeridoo, where much of the technique happens inside the mouth and cannot be seen.
• Different styles. Every player has their own sound and approach. Watching several players gives a learner a wider picture of what the instrument can do.
• Variety of material. More instructors usually means a broader range of lessons, rhythms and techniques to study.

How learners can use an instructor introduction

An introduction video is a good chance to listen closely. A learner can pay attention to the player’s tone, rhythm and overall style, and think about whether it is a sound they would like to work towards. It also helps to get used to a new teacher’s way of speaking and demonstrating before starting their lessons.

Learning the didgeridoo online

The didgeridoo comes from northern Australia, where it is played by Aboriginal Australians. Today people learn it all over the world, and online lessons have made it possible to study with teachers who may live far away. Video lessons let a student watch a technique, pause, replay and practise at their own pace, which suits an instrument where small changes in breath and mouth shape make a big difference.

Finding Koji’s lessons

The video itself does not go into detail about Koji’s background or the lessons he planned to teach, so the best place to see what he has added since is the school itself. Information about current lessons and instructors is available at Didgeridoo Dojo.