Shuko's Wind Synth Diary
From Japan, with Music

The Aerophone, learned from zero.
An honest diary from Japan.

In 2022, I picked up the Roland Aerophone AE-20 with no wind instrument experience at all. This blog is my practice diary — beginner-friendly guides, honest struggles, and small wins — written from Japan, the home country of the Aerophone.

New Posts

Latest from the Diary

The most recent articles, across every category.

Aerophone Transpose Mode: Scene vs. System
AE-20 Guide Aerophone Transpose Mode: Scene vs. System, and Which to Use
Aerophone arm fatigue: chin angle and music stand height
Improve Aerophone Arm Fatigue: Check Your Chin Angle and Music Stand Height
How to make your Aerophone sound like a real cello: 3 tips
Improve How to Make Your Aerophone Sound Like a Real Cello: 3 Tips
Why your Aerophone doesn't sound like a real cello
Improve Why Your Aerophone Doesn't Sound Like a Real Cello
Aerophone Seminar 2026: a pro player, the Brisa, and 10 years on
Event Reports Aerophone Seminar 2026: A Pro Player, the Brisa, and 10 Years On
♪
From Japan

Stories from the Aerophone's Home Country

Original articles written in English — what the Aerophone scene looks like here in Japan.

Why Japan is the Aerophone's home turf
From Japan Why Japan Is the Aerophone's Home Turf
♪
Start Here

New to the Aerophone?

Curious about this instrument? These guides will give you the full picture — no experience required.

What is the Roland Aerophone?
Getting Started What Is the Roland Aerophone AE-20? A Complete Beginner's Guide
Can you play the Aerophone with zero experience?
Getting Started Can You Play the Aerophone with Zero Wind Instrument Experience? 3 Reasons It's Beginner-Friendly
EWI, Yamaha YDS, or Aerophone?
Getting Started EWI, Yamaha YDS, or Aerophone? Choosing Your First Digital Wind Instrument
See All Articles
♪
Technique & Body

Hands, Breath, and Posture

When something hurts while you play, it usually means there is unnecessary force somewhere. These articles cover what to change.

Aerophone playing posture, Part 1: chair, posture, and strap
Improve Aerophone Playing Posture, Part 1: How to Sit and Adjust Your Strap
Aerophone arm fatigue: chin angle and music stand height
Improve Aerophone Arm Fatigue: Check Your Chin Angle and Music Stand Height
Aerophone right thumb pain: the cause and a simple fix
Improve Aerophone Right Thumb Pain: Why It Hurts and How to Hold It Comfortably
See All Articles
♪
How to Use

Settings, Quirks, and Fixes

Practical notes on getting along with the AE-20 — settings, surprises, and how to fix them.

My Aerophone AE-20 settings after 4 years
AE-20 Guide My Aerophone AE-20 Settings After 4 Years: Volume, Breath, and Bite
Aerophone pitch drops and random vibrato? It's the S1/S2 buttons
AE-20 Guide Aerophone Pitch Drops and Random Vibrato? It's the S1/S2 Buttons
Aerophone Transpose Mode: Scene vs. System
AE-20 Guide Aerophone Transpose Mode: Scene vs. System, and Which to Use
See All Articles
♪
About

Hi, I'm Shuko

A music blogger in Japan, sharing everything I learn about the Aerophone — for beginners, wherever in the world you are.

About Me
♪
日本語版

Read in Japanese

The Japanese edition has the full collection — practice methods, gear reviews, AE-20 settings, and more.

JAPANESE しゅうこ音楽ぶろぐ — 90+ articles in Japanese →
♪
TOP