Ukwu Joshua Mba -
Pianist & Inspiring Teacher
Ukwu Joshua Mba is a Nigerian pianist and dedicated music educator, captivating audiences with his emotive performances and nurturing the next generation of musicians.
My Musical Journey
Ukwu Joshua Mba is a Nigerian Pianist, Composer, producer and Educator, based in Paris, France.
He is a well accomplished musician. Having studied Classics at the university of Ibadan, he moved on to study jazz and contemporary music at Peter King College of Music, Badagry, Lagos, after which he was retained to teach at the college for 3 years. He moved on on an MTNF scholarship to study Western Classical Music at the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON). Upon his graduation from MUSON, he was given the Orpheus Award for Keyboard proficiency. Moved on from that point to study jazz music in Paris, France, where he now resides.
Ukwu has played on several platforms which includes the Lagos international jazz festival, the MUSON jazz festival, and The Paris Gospel Experience among the several jam sessions in the city of Paris. He perform two piano recitals while studying at MUSON and worked as pianist to the globally acclaimed Nigerian folk music artiste DOTTi the Deity.
He is very interested in finding areas of convergence between the African and the Western musical cultures; this mirrored in his compositions. Some of his compositions and collaborative works include; Nzoputa, Iwa, Olorun Agbaye, Akpu, and Ode (To MTN).
Ukwu Joshua Mba moved on to hone his skills in at the American School of Modern Music, under the tutelage of Cedric Hanriot, a Grammy Award winning pianist based in Paris, France.
Compositions & Arrangements
Ukwu Joshua Mba is a prolific composer and arranger, showcasing his versatility and artistry through a diverse portfolio of original works. His compositions span various genres, blending African and Western musical elements to create a unique sound that captivates audiences.
Some of Ukwu's notable compositions and arrangements include "ÌWÀ", "Asíwajú", "Olúwa Kú isé", and "ÁKPÙ", each reflecting his deep understanding of musical traditions and his ability to craft pieces that resonate with listeners on an emotional level.
Additionally, Ukwu has created an appreciation song titled "TO MTN (ODE)" as a tribute to the MTN Foundation for their support in sponsoring his studies at the MUSON school. This work serves as a testament to Ukwu's gratitude and his commitment to honoring the contributions made to his musical journey.
- ÌWÀ
Performances
My Teaching Philosophy
Personalized Approach
I tailor my teaching methods to each student's unique learning style, ensuring they reach their full potential.
Fostering Creativity
I encourage my students to explore their own musical ideas, cultivating their artistic expression and self-confidence.
Holistic Development
Beyond technical mastery, I emphasize the importance of musical interpretation, sight-reading, and overall musical intelligence.
My Teaching Methods
1
Comprehensive Curriculum
My lessons cover a wide range of classical, jazz, contemporary, and popular music genres, ensuring a well-rounded musical education.
2
Engaging Exercises
I utilize a variety of technical exercises and etudes to develop my students' dexterity, rhythm, and expression.
3
Collaborative Approach
I work closely with my students, providing constructive feedback and guidance to help them achieve their goals.
4
Performance Opportunities
I encourage my students to participate in recitals, competitions and jam sessions helping them gain valuable performance experience.
Student Success Stories
Scholarships and Admissions
Many of my students have received prestigious music school scholarships and been accepted into top-tier music programs.
Lifelong Passion for Music
Beyond their academic and performance accomplishments, my students have developed a lifelong appreciation for music.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Several of my former students have gone on to become music teachers themselves, continuing the legacy of music education. A lot of others have gone on to become professional musicians themselves.
Workshops and Masterclasses
I have organised a couple of masterclasses teaching the subject of jazz harmony and improvisation.
Piano Technique
Explore the fundamentals of proper piano technique, including posture, hand position, and finger dexterity.
Interpretation
Learn how to interpret musical scores with expression, emotion, and a deep understanding of the composer's intent.
Rhythm and Timing
Develop your sense of rhythm, tempo, and timing to play with impeccable rhythmic accuracy.
Music Theory
Gain a comprehensive understanding of music theory, including harmony, scales, and chord progressions.
