Akinobu Matsuda

The Japanese guitarist, Akinobu (Jiro) Matsuda, started to play the guitar at the age of 14, and was recommended to take lessons from a monk who lived nearby. Fortunately the monk liked classical music, and introduced the pupil to the great guitar masters: Sor, Aguardo, Coste, De Visée and Llobet at the same time explaining the value of studying and playing classical music. Matsuda continued seeking guidance throughout Japan when and where he could find it. In 1957 he graduated from the Kobe University, faculty of Economics, and was awarded Music Prize for Young guitarist, given by a monthly magazine Guitar Friend. When Andrés Segovia gave his second concert tour of Japan in 1959, Matsuda was given the opportunity of playing for him and although he (Segovia) had heard number of guitarists who played for him during the tour, he was of the firm opinion that since it was necessary for one good, young student to go to Europe, Akinobu Matsuda was the one. In 1960 he travelled to Europe where for two years he studied with Segovia and Alirio Díaz in Siena, Italy, and in Santiago de Compostela Spain. During this time he also studied with John Williams in London recommended by Segovia. In 1961 he was awarded Papas-Puyana Prize at the International Guitar Competition in Spain, under auspices of Andrés Segovia, sponsored by the Conservatory of Music at Orense, Spain.