Custom Shop News

October 8, 2003 — Keisuke Tanaka became a part of the Custom Shop in July of this year. For the past six years, he has been in Hamamatsu working on Yamaha's handmade flutes and designing various flutes and piccolos. This experience has given him numerous opportunities to interact with famous flute artists from around the world.

His educational background focused on working with metal, which prepared him well for the work he does each day. His extensive familiarity with the properties of the materials he works with is key to his skill in instrument design.

Keisuke has played flute in amateur bands and orchestras for over 20 years. Three years ago, his woodwind quintet won the gold prize at the 24th All-Japan Band Association Ensemble Competition. He has recently started expanding his knowledge of the woodwind family by experimenting with playing the clarinet and oboe.

He is enjoying life in the US, and compares Michigan weather to the weather in his hometown, Aomori, which is located on the north edge of the Japan mainland.