Resonance and Renewal: Pianist Shota Maeda on Art, Healing, and Schumann’s Fantasie
- WOMCO
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Japanese pianist Shota Maeda was awarded the Platinum Prize and the Exceptional Technique Special Award in the Professional Category for his performance of Schumann’s Fantasie in C major, Op. 17, at the 2025 Season 3 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition (held from June 12 to September 12, with results announced in October 2025). In this interview, he reflects on his artistic journey, his recovery from focal hand dystonia, and how music became a path of rediscovery and renewal.
Could you walk us through your approach to preparing and interpreting your award-winning video performance for the online music competition? What were some of the artistic or technical considerations that shaped the final result, and are there any tips or points you think are important when submitting a performance video?
Shota Maeda:
"This was my first experience participating in an international and fully online competition. Since the preparation time was rather limited, I recorded my performance with a simple setup using an iPhone. Through this experience, I realized how important recording quality and tonal balance are in conveying one’s musical expression. It was a valuable learning opportunity, and I hope to improve my recording environment in the future."
Receiving the Exceptional Technique Special Award highlights the individuality of your performance. How did you balance technical mastery with your personal artistic interpretation to create a unique musical expression?
Shota Maeda:
"It was my first time performing Schumann’s Fantasie in C major, Op.17. Since the piece is full of emotional contrasts, I focused on creating distinct tone colors that suit each scene, always paying attention to how the sound itself conveys character."
Could you talk to us about yourself, your journey in music, and your future goals? Could you also share your perspective on what defines a great pianist in today’s digital age, and what you consider to be the most significant artistic or professional challenges facing musician today and in the coming years?
Shota Maeda:
"I currently run Ciel Music School in Tokyo and am in my third year as a piano instructor. Just before completing graduate school, I developed focal hand dystonia, which made performing with both hands difficult. Around the same time, the global COVID-19 pandemic broke out, and all my scheduled performances and opportunities were cancelled. As a result, I decided to step away from music for a while and worked as an engineer at a factory. Originally, I had planned to participate in international competitions after finishing graduate school, so leaving that dream behind had always remained in my mind.
Three years ago, I returned to the music world and have been gradually resuming solo performances while continuing rehabilitation. This competition became a meaningful opportunity and motivation to take that step forward again. Turning 30 this year, I wanted to challenge myself before it was too late—and that’s why I decided to participate."
Biography
Shota Maeda studied at Kunitachi College of Music and Toho Gakuen Graduate School.
Awards include:
– Grand Prize, Professional Category – Schubert International Music Competition (UK)
– Platinum Prize and the Exceptional Technique Special Award, Professional Category – Saint-Saëns International Music Competition (UK)
– 1st Prize, General Category – Cecilia International Music Competition (Japan)
– 1st Prize – Japan Piano Teachers’ National Audition (E Division)
He currently teaches and performs in Tokyo while continuing rehabilitation from focal hand dystonia.
Founder of Ciel Music School – www.suonaremusic.com