Takuya Hirano, Tulane University professor of music industry studies, describes himself as a “third culture kid.” Born in
Japan but raised in the United States, Hirano’s cross-cultural upbringing shaped his global perspective on music. As a professor, he works to bridge the gap between world tours and the classroom.
“Growing up as a third culture kid has made me innately aware that I don’t necessarily belong to one thing, but that made me more open to assimilating to whoever was around me,” Hirano said. “This helped me in terms of learning music styles.”
Hirano brings decades of real-world experience in the music industry into the classroom. Trained in European classical music, Black American music and Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, West African, Indian and Japanese percussion, Hirano holds both a master’s degree in music business and a bachelor’s degree in professional music from Berklee College of Music. He has worked with a diverse group of artists like Stevie Wonder, Ed Sheeran, Usher, Dr Dre and now Leann Rimes.
Hirano was the first ever hand percussion principal to graduate from Berklee College of Music. His mentors, which include the legendary drummer Ndugu Chancler, have deeply influenced his career.
“He was the template,” Hirano said. “He instilled work ethic in me…” and taught him how to be “very strategic in the choices I made in terms of work.” His mentor taught him “to take all the work you can get as a freelancer, and everything is an opportunity.”
Hirano’s hard work has paid off. He has been called a “secret weapon” by Mick Fleetwood and praised by Stevie Nicks as “the best percussion player in the world.” An audience full of thousands of fans would show up holding signs that read “secret weapon” in tribute.
In the classroom, Hirano’s stories transform complex concepts into relatable lessons. He shares anecdotes in class from his career in music, like touring with John Mayer. In my experience, classes feel less like a basic lesson and more like a masterclass in the modern music business industry.
“Straight after undergrad, I was even thinking of teaching at college level,” Hirano said. “Even back then, educator friends would ask me to visit their classes, sometimes between my own soundchecks.”
Hirano managed to still teach, even while touring. He would Zoom into class, no matter the local time. From the stage to classroom, whether on Zoom or in person, Hirano embodies what it means to be a true mentor; he teaches students that passion and profession can coexist.