Learning to Compose Virtually . . . with Akira Nakano, LA Inception Orchestra

Technology transforms the way in which we view opportunities and often creates new ones. This week on the Innovating Music Podcast, we rethink learning and education in music with UCLA alumnus Akira Nakano, the President and Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Inception Orchestra. We look through the lens of applying virtual reality technology paired with original composition to the creation of educational programs that engage with local artist communities, and that bring music to underrepresented areas.

Guest: Akira Nakano, President and Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Inception Orchestra

Akira Nakano grew up at the Colburn School of Performing Arts in both piano and percussion, soloing with numerous orchestras throughout Southern California as a youngster. He studied with Dr. Heewon Kwon with master classes from Jeffrey Kahane, Leon Fleischer, Ilana Vered, John Perry, and Daniel Pollack. He was the winner of the 1st Annual Herbert Zipper Award in Music Composition amongst other piano competitions. Entering UCLA on a full-ride piano performance scholarship, he won the UCLA Concerto Competition and graduated with a B.A. in Film & Television production.

Mr. Nakano spent over twelve years working as a video editor, writer, producer, and live event director at TRW Space & Electronics and went on to have 20+ years of video marketing/communications and film producing experience which will dovetail into the LA Inception Orchestra's Virtual Reality/360 music education program. 

Mentioned Links:

• Facebook: https://www.inceptionorchestra.org/
• Twitter: @LAInceptionOrch
• Asia American Symphony Association: http://aasymphony.org
• Classical Saxophone Project: http://www.classicalsaxproject.org/
• Gensler: nsler.com 
• Heart of Los Angeles: heartofla.org
• Young Musicians Foundation: ymf.org
• American Composers Forum: composersforum.org