Clarinet Power is a cultural and educational project created and directed by Japanese clarinetist and educator Masatoshi Tanaka. It connects music, education, international collaboration, and culture through the clarinet.
While focusing on clarinet performance and learning, the project introduces the story of African Blackwood (mpingo / Dalbergia melanoxylon)—the wood used for clarinets— and the global efforts of people working to protect forests and support local communities. Clarinet Power aims to create a new cultural cycle that supports the future of music.
Concerts & Live Performances
Workshops & Lessons
Clarinet Education Programs
Introduction to African Blackwood (mpingo)
Presentation of ABCP / MCDI / Yamaha Otono-Mori Project
Lectures connecting music, culture, and nature
African Blackwood (Dalbergia melanoxylon) is the primary material used for clarinets. It grows in East Africa—mainly Tanzania and Mozambique—and is one of the most valuable tonewoods in the world.
Clarinet Power introduces organizations working to protect this tree and support the communities who live with it.
Forest restoration and environmental education for the future of musical instruments
The Yamaha “Otono-Mori Project” is an environmental initiative dedicated to protecting the forests that support the future of musical instruments.
In Tanzania, the project promotes the planting of indigenous species—including African Blackwood (mpingo)—and works with local communities to advance sustainable forest management.
The project also provides environmental education for children and raises global awareness of the connection between forests and musical instruments.
Clarinet Power shares and supports the mission of the Otono-Mori Project as an important effort linking music, forests, and the future of global culture.
https://www.yamaha.com/ja/stories/environment/sustainable-use-of-wood/
ABCP operates in Texas (USA) and Moshi, Tanzania, supporting tree planting, environmental education, and community development with a focus on African Blackwood and other indigenous species.
Clarinet Power shares ABCP’s mission and introduces their work to musicians and students in Japan.
Permission to share ABCP newsletter and website content has been granted by US Director Bette Stockbauer.
MCDI is a Tanzanian organization promoting sustainable forest management, community empowerment, and fair trade related to African Blackwood.
Clarinet Power highlights MCDI’s efforts to connect the clarinet with the forests and people who sustain its material.
Masatoshi Tanaka is a clarinetist and educator based in Japan. Active in performance, teaching, event planning, and international cultural collaboration, he founded Clarinet Power to connect music with culture, nature, and global communities.