…If I could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, I would create music workshops and programs in schools and community centers around the world. The goal would be to harness the educational power of music, giving children and young people more opportunities to learn self-expression through it. I started to really enjoy teaching music after I moved to LA, and I believe it’s incredibly rewarding to share music and give others the chance to listen and engage. If I had the influence, I’d love to be part of a children’s TV show, where I could compose and perform songs for kids, sparking their creativity and inspiring them…
As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Nonoka Nagao.
Nonoka Nagao is a musician, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, specializing in trumpet and Hammond organ. Born in Osaka, Japan, she was deeply influenced by her parents and discovered her passion for the Hammond organ at the age of 16 after watching a performance by legendary organist Joey DeFrancesco.
In Osaka, Nonoka met Osamu Yamamoto, CEO of YS Corporation, who encouraged her to pursue the organ further and introduced her to prominent musicians. Her musical journey took a pivotal turn when she witnessed a life-changing performance by Joey DeFrancesco at the Blue Note in New York City, which inspired her to move to New York in 2020. There, she earned a scholarship to study at The New School, where she received mentorship from jazz luminaries Dr. Lonnie Smith and Tony Monaco.
What sets Nonoka apart is her rare ability to seamlessly perform on both the Hammond organ and trumpet. Her versatility and innovative style have captivated audiences around the world, with performances in Japan, Hong Kong, the UK, and the US. In addition to her live performances, she has made television appearances, further expanding her reach.
During her time at university, Nonoka discovered a talent for composition. She contributed original pieces to a singer’s album and had orchestral work featured in an American television series.
After Nonoka graduated the new school with honors, Nonoka relocated to Los Angeles, where she began performing with The Neighborhood Orchestra and teaching music, continuing to share her passion and knowledge with the next generation of musicians.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up in Osaka, Japan, in a home where jazz music was always present. My mother, a huge fan of Jimmy Smith, also plays drums and keyboards, so music was an integral part of my everyday life from the very beginning. As a child, I didn’t fully understand the music I was hearing, but I remember how comforting and soothing it felt. It was a constant presence, and even though I was too young to grasp all the nuances, the rhythm and soul of jazz seemed to resonate with me. I was raised by my parents, my older brother, my grandparents, and my aunt. They all loved to sing, and music was always around us. From the age of three, I started composing songs based on the events of my day, almost like a diary. When I sang these songs, my family enjoyed them, and I found great joy in composing and sharing my creations with them at home and at the school.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?
Music has always been a part of my life, but I wasn’t initially sure whether I should pursue it professionally or just enjoy it as a hobby. It wasn’t until I traveled to New York alone for the first time in 2017 that I truly understood the power of music and how it connects people on a deep level. At that time, I was still in high school, and I didn’t speak any English. However, when I attended a jam session in New York, something incredible happened. Despite the language barrier, I was able to connect with the musicians around me through the universal language of music. We communicated with our instruments, with our hearts, and that moment opened my eyes to the fact that music is one of the most powerful ways to connect with others — far beyond words or cultural differences.
During that session, the musicians I played with told me, “You should come to New York and become a musician.” Their words resonated deeply with me, and that experience made me realize that I wanted to take music seriously — not just as a passion, but as my career. That trip was a turning point in my journey, and from that moment, I made the decision to fully commit to pursuing music professionally.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
When I was in Japan, I listened to CDs and got autographs from jazz musicians I admired. When I arrived in New York, I was amazed to find many of them performing in jazz clubs, and just a month later, I had my first gig in Harlem and played with some of those musicians. It’s an experience I still find deeply moving.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I had a gig in junior high, I was so nervous that I didn’t even eat that day. So, when I played, my stomach growled instead of the trumpet. I learned that it’s important to take care of myself before a gig, not just focus on practicing.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
One person I’m incredibly grateful to is Fukushi Tainaka, a Japanese drummer who has been active in New York for over 40 years. Since high school, I’ve had the opportunity to perform live with him, which allowed me to experience the New York sound up close. That experience really motivated me to prepare for studying abroad. He also taught me a lot about the history of the New York jazz scene, which I had respected even when I was still in Japan.
When I arrived in New York and didn’t speak much English, he continued to support me, helping me deepen my understanding of both music and culture. He even helped me avoid homesickness by taking me to Japanese restaurants. His guidance, both musically and personally, has been invaluable to me, and I’m deeply thankful for all of his support.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Right now, I’m increasing my opportunities to perform and compose hip hop. I’m trying to blend it with my jazz background. While maintaining respect for both genres, I’m really focused on developing my own unique sound.
We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?
- Incorporating diversity gives people from different backgrounds more opportunities to express themselves. As music and films from various cultures become popular, it broadens our entertainment experiences and promotes global cultural exchange, connecting people from different countries.
- Bringing together diverse ideas and approaches sparks creativity in art and entertainment.
- Representing different cultures and values helps audiences better understand and connect with other perspectives and ways of life.
As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?
As a musician, I’ve learned that it’s important not to focus only on music. I make time for hobbies outside of music, which helps me maintain balance in life. Taking a break from music allows me to come back to it with a fresh perspective. I believe that everything in life can serve as inspiration for music, so even when I’m not focused on music directly, I know that no time is ever wasted.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- Don’t be afraid to do something different from others. When I first started playing both the trumpet and the organ, some people told me I should focus on just one instrument. But I loved both, so I didn’t choose. In the end, this decision made me more unique and helped me develop my own style.
- A lot of times, the playing techniques I was struggling with a year ago are things I can do now without even thinking about them. Sometimes, it is better to stop overthinking and just keep working at it.
- Don’t rush, because results don’t come immediately. It’s important to take your time and do things carefully. When I first started playing an instrument, I thought I had to improve quickly, and I was rushing. But I’ve come to realize that music is fun precisely because it’s not easy, and it takes a lifetime to truly improve.
- No pain, no gain. When I was in junior high, during music class, I had to transcribe Dizzy Gillespie’s solo from “Bebop,” and it was incredibly difficult. I was literally crying while transcribing. But because of that experience, I ended up getting a job as a transcriber. So, it turned out to be a valuable lesson.
- Strict teachers are strict because they care about your success and well-being. My piano teacher in Japan was very strict, and at the time, I didn’t understand why. But now, 15 years later, as I’m teaching music myself, I realize that she was just deeply invested in my success, always trying to offer as much advice as possible.
Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?
I often get melodies when I’m walking or taking a shower. It might sound strange to some people, but that’s just how I compose. In my mind, I have a band called the “Nonoka Orchestra” (hahaha). I’m like the conductor, and I can hear each instrument playing as I lead them. It’s like a little concert happening in my head.
Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?
I play both the trumpet and keyboard at the same time, and many people have said that my music is soulful.
How do you connect with your audience?
I connect with my audience during live performances, where communication is key. I’m lucky to have many supporters who have been with me since my high school days in Japan. When I moved to the U.S., they even made business cards for me and sent me food from Japan. Those personal connections mean so much to me, and I truly cherish the moments I can interact with them during my shows.
With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?
I’ve recently started going to the gym and making time to work out. After a good workout, my brain feels refreshed, and I always feel much better. It’s become an important part of my routine because it helps me maintain a balance between my personal life and the demands of my career. Staying physically active keeps me energized and focused, which is crucial for both my music and my well-being.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If I could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, I would create music workshops and programs in schools and community centers around the world. The goal would be to harness the educational power of music, giving children and young people more opportunities to learn self-expression through it. I started to really enjoy teaching music after I moved to LA, and I believe it’s incredibly rewarding to share music and give others the chance to listen and engage. If I had the influence, I’d love to be part of a children’s TV show, where I could compose and perform songs for kids, sparking their creativity and inspiring them.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
Definitely, G Perico. I’m a huge fan of his music, and his work has had a big impact on me. When I saw his concert at The Novo, I was so excited, and I can’t forget every moment of that performance. If I had the chance to sit down with him for breakfast or lunch, I would love to talk about his creative process and where his inspiration comes from. It would be such a joy to hear directly from him about how he creates his music.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
https://www.nonokanagao.com/ and my instagram is nonokanagao
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Rising Music Star Nonoka Nagao On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.