Today we’d like to introduce you to Arthur Sagami.
Hi Arthur, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, my family always had music playing; no matter where we were going, or what we were doing, music was something that always existed as part of my life.
So when I was finally able to start playing clarinet in my school’s band program, it was something that I instantly felt connected with. This turned out to be a huge blessing for me, as I struggled with communication for a long time, had a hard time connecting with others, and understanding myself. But when words were silent, music spoke. When a feeling had no name, a note told its story. Music was, and still is my greatest outlet.
I was fortunate enough to go to a school with a great music program, and I saw the incredible things my peers were doing – their dedication, hard work, and the music that they were able to create together. From that point on, there was no other option, I had to be a musician.
The only problem was that I had just started playing saxophone (which is now my primary instrument), and I was easily the worst player in the section. But I was determined to catch up to my peers, so I spent countless hours practicing, frequently staying up all night to do so. Along the way, I experienced a lot of failure, rejection, and feeling like a disappointment; but through it all, my love of music, and the belief that I was called to music for a reason bigger than myself kept me going.
While I can’t say I’ve arrived yet (do we ever truly?) I can look back and see how far I’ve come, and look forward to how far the road ahead stretches. Through music, I’ve been able to travel the world, meet and perform with amazing people, make lifelong friendships, play in incredible venues, in a variety of groups, and as a featured artist, learn more about myself, and experience so much of life.
My mission now is to spread connection, joy, love, and healing through music; to help other musicians bring their visions to life; and to help my students find their voice through music, just as music helped me find my voice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not, but I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the struggles. Every time we are faced with a challenge we also have the opportunity to learn and grow from it; and when we do we are able to come out the other side stronger, more confident, more compassionate, and with a deeper appreciation for what we have, and are working towards.
As everyone has, I’ve faced my fair share of rejections: I was initially turned down by every Master’s program I applied to, and twice again when I went looking into Doctoral programs. Rather than being discouraged by those, however, I took those opportunities as a chance to reassess what I was doing; to take a deep look at what was and wasn’t working. And because of that, each time I’ve been able to grow beyond my previous trajectory, and ultimately lead myself to a more fulfilling place.
But I would say my biggest struggles have always circled back to my internal sense of self: Can I really make a difference? Am I good enough? Who am I? What do I even have to offer? Does anyone really want to hear what I have to say? These are the questions that always come back to haunt me. But I take solace in knowing that these doubts show just how important this journey is to me, and how worthwhile it is.
So be the person who believes in yourself the most, who gets yourself out of bed in the morning even when it’s hard, who picks yourself up no matter how many times you fall down. Be grateful for every roadblock, detour, bump in the road, rainstorm, uphill climb, and foggy day; because if you let them, they might just show you something more wonderful, that was just out of sight before.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a woodwind artist, music educator, composer, and arranger. Currently, I play saxophone with Turtlnck, Henkō, and the South Sound Saxophone Ensemble; I teach private music lessons, adjudicate festivals and events, offer clinics, and masterclasses; and I do freelance music composition and arrangements. Additionally, I have some of my own projects – musical, and pedagogical in the works, that I hope to be able to share soon.
I specialize in all things saxophone, though in particular, I feel the greatest affinity towards the baritone saxophone; it always feels most truly like my voice. I am most proud of being here, right now; how I continue to grow and challenge myself, the students that I get to work with, the musicians I get to perform with and knowing that this is only the beginning.
Though I trained as a classical and jazz saxophonist, I believe one of the things that set me apart is that it is among my goals not to be known as one. I am a musician, first and foremost. As people we are quick to categorize, to add labels, to divide ourselves; but the music of all things should be connecting us, not separate us.
Though it may take on a wide range of different forms, with different cultures, and vocabulary, in the end, all music exists as a language; and there is too much to be learned and appreciated from all of its forms for us to limit ourselves to a small piece of it.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I’ve unfortunately never had the pleasure of visiting Phoenix, but I will certainly have to very soon!
Pricing:
- 30 Minute Lesson ($40)
- 60 Minute Lesson ($60)
- Composition/Arrangements (Variable)
Contact Info:
- Email: arthursagamimusic@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.arthursagami.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthur.sagami/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArthurSagamiMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFs_fmrGJVZepfO76tBXy_A
Image Credits
Vincenzo Casasanta
