Let’s go try out an Aerophone trial lesson!

You can access the Japanese page here.

Hello, this is Shuko.

I’ve been interested in trying out the Aerophone.

Still, I totally get the concern

In this post, I’ll share my experience with an Aerophone trial lesson, the process of joining a class, and how to purchase the instrument.

(This is about a free trial lesson at Shimamura Music.

Please note that this is just my personal impression, so there might be some misunderstandings.)

Apply for a trial lesson online.

If you’re curious about what the Aerophone is like and want to try it out, you can test-play one at a nearby music store—provided they carry the instrument.

Also, on Roland’s official website, you can find information about Shimamura Music Schools across Japan that offer Aerophone lessons.

In my case, there was a Shimamura Music School nearby, so I signed up for a free trial lesson.

There are also other schools and private instructors who teach the Aerophone, so I recommend doing a quick online search and signing up for a trial lesson that suits you.

(Note: Yamaha Music Schools offer lessons for Yamaha’s digital saxophone, the YDS, so they don’t provide lessons for Roland’s Aerophone.)

With Shimamura Music, you apply online by filling in your personal information and preferred lesson times.

Later, you’ll receive a phone call to finalize the details.

Please note that you don’t choose an exact date and time online—it’s arranged over the phone.

During the phone call, they’ll ask a few questions besides scheduling.

For your reference, here are some of the things I remember being asked.

Since the application form doesn’t have detailed fields for personal information, I think the staff gathers information about the applicant’s musical background in advance to better prepare for the lesson.

You can also sign up in person at a Shimamura Music store.

Preparing for the trial lesson

Before going to the lesson, I recommend deciding in advance which Aerophone model you want to go for.

The trial lesson will only use one model, and in my case, it was the AE10.

(Since the AE10 has been discontinued, this might change in the future.)

I was deciding between the AE10 and AE20, so before the lesson, I went to Shimamura Music and tried out the AE20 in-store.

If you’re considering a different model than the one used in the trial lesson, it’s helpful to check things like the weight and button feel beforehand.

This way, you can compare them and use that as a reference when making your purchase.

When I mentioned that I was going for a trial lesson, the staff didn’t push the sale too much.

It’s also important to do some research on where you want to buy the instrument, whether you’ll buy it with accessories like a stand or music books, and so on.

What kind of teacher will be giving the lesson?

A saxophone teacher will be giving the lesson.

Since only teachers who have obtained certification to teach digital wind instruments, like the Aerophone, can offer courses.

It seems that not all Shimamura Music locations with saxophone courses offer lessons for digital wind instruments.

As the popularity of digital wind instruments continues to grow, it’s likely that more schools will start offering lessons for them in the future.

In the trial lesson, after a brief conversation where the teacher asks about the reasons for taking the lesson and your musical experience, you’ll actually get to play the instrument.

After that, I was shown how to adjust the tone and volume using the buttons.

Since I’m a complete beginner with wind instruments and didn’t know how to blow properly, I was taught how to position my mouth on the mouthpiece.

This included learning the correct embouchure.

Membership Application

I made an immediate decision to join, so I proceeded with the membership application.

Even though I didn’t sign up on the spot, there was absolutely no pressure to stay until I did.

If you’re unsure, I think it’s okay to just be honest about it, especially since the instrument isn’t cheap.

If you decide not to join, it might be considerate to let them know later.

There are several pricing plans and courses to choose from, so I selected my preferred course and entered my personal information on the tablet.

In addition, there was a survey asking about my musical experience, the kind of music I’m interested in, and the music I’d like to try playing.

It took at least 30 minutes.

The monthly fee is automatically withdrawn from an AEON credit card, so if you don’t have one, you can create an AEON card right there on the tablet.

Shimamura Music Schools offer two types of lessons: the “School” with fixed days and the “Salon” with individual lessons by reservation.

For Salon lessons, you can decide on the next lesson date right there, or you can book it later through the online member page.

Where to buy the instrument

Since many Shimamura Music stores have both retail and music schools, I was asked where I planned to buy the instrument.

You can buy it in-store if you prefer, or if you’re comfortable with it, you can also purchase it online.

Buying in-store offers the reassurance of being able to consult with the teacher or staff.

When you research online, you’ll find that they often sell bundles, including not only the instrument but also music books, stands, neck straps, and more, so it’s a good idea to check that beforehand.

I bought mine from Ishibashi Music on Amazon.

About the Shimamura Music Card

If you’re applying for a new AEON card when joining, it will be the Shimamura Music Card.

You can’t choose a regular AEON card, so it might be a good idea to decide in advance whether to go with the Shimamura Music Card or another AEON card.

You don’t need to create the card on the spot in order to pay the monthly fee.

There’s some leeway before the payment is due, so if you prefer another AEON card, you can apply for it right after you leave, and then bring the card to Shimamura Music as soon as it’s ready to register it.

Summary

I’ve covered everything from signing up for the trial lesson and preparing beforehand to the details of the actual lesson.

I also explained the process for joining and purchasing the instrument.

If you already own an instrument, you can also take the trial lesson online!

If you’re even a little bit interested, I definitely recommend giving it a try.

A whole new world of music will open up. Let’s enjoy music together!

Thank you for reading until the end.