#Japan #Tokyo #Yamaha #iU #Vocaloid

iU and Yamaha Collaborate on Unique Vocaloid Course

In a historic move for music education, iU (the Graduate School of Information Management and Innovation) and Yamaha Corporation have partnered to introduce a revolutionary course dedicated to the study of Vocaloid culture and music production. This special lecture series, titled "Vocaloid Music Culture and Production Course," aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the rapidly evolving realm of Vocaloids, which has garnered significant attention globally.

Course Features

The inaugural course boasts a lineup of distinguished instructors, including:

• - Hideki Kenmochi – Recognized as the father of Vocaloid, he has played an instrumental role in developing the technologies behind these music-producing software.
• - Masafumi Yoshida – The current main producer at Yamaha, he brings to the table extensive expertise in the field.
• - Nejishiki – A well-respected Vocaloid producer and a member of JASRAC, who will share insights from his extensive experience in music creation and copyright law.

One of the most exciting aspects of this course is its practical component. During the latter part of the lectures, students will have the unique opportunity to work in teams to produce a music video (MV) for Vocaloid tracks. This includes everything from conceptualizing the MV’s theme to coordinating with creators and strategizing promotional efforts on platforms such as YouTube. This hands-on experience is said to be the first of its kind worldwide.

Emphasis on the Latest Technologies

A significant focus will be placed on using the latest Vocaloid software, VOCALOID6, which incorporates cutting-edge AI technology. The course will not only demonstrate how to utilize VOCALOID6 for music production but will also provide students with free access to the full version of the software upon completion of the course.

Course Outline

Preliminary Course: Introduction to Vocaloid Music Culture and Production

• - Dates: May 30-31, 2026
• - Duration: 2-day intense lecture (4 hours each day)
• - Content: An introduction to Vocaloid including its history, technology, copyright, and practical composition experience.
• - Fee: 30,000 yen (excluding tax)
• - Requirements: A personal laptop capable of running VOCALOID6.

Advanced Course: Practical Music Production with Vocaloid

• - Dates: November-December 2026 (4 days)
• - Content: Focus on creating MV concepts, directing creators, promoting via YouTube and social media, culminating in a showcase for the produced work.
• - Fee: 50,000 yen (excluding tax), includes VOCALOID6.
• - Requirements: Similar technical requirements as the preliminary course.

Venue and Participants

The lectures will take place at the iU Takeshiba Satellite Office in Tokyo. The course is aimed at high school students and above, with the preliminary course accepting a maximum of 40 participants and the latter course 24.

Application Details

Participants can apply through the provided link. For the preliminary course, applications close on May 22, 2026. Following the initial offering, details for the advanced course will be shared at a later date.

Contact for Queries: B Lab at iU [email protected]

Instructor Highlights

• - Hideki Kenmochi: Originally joining Yamaha in 1993, Kenmochi’s influence over Vocaloid development earned him the title of its father. His extensive background in sound processing has been pivotal in the technology’s advancement.
• - Masafumi Yoshida: Having joined Yamaha in 2008, Yoshida's experience has culminated in overseeing various projects associated with Vocaloid, contributing to the creativity behind voice banking development.
• - Nejishiki: A leading and innovative figure in Vocaloid music, he has significantly impacted the industry while also engaging in education and commentary about copyright issues effective in today’s music landscape.

This remarkable initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of music producers, equipped with essential skills to navigate and innovate in the world of Vocaloid and digital music.