TOMOKA NOMORA-JARVIS

By Gail Jhonson

How did you come to music?

Born in Gifu, Japan, I started piano lessons at age of 6. I did pretty well but I wasn’t that interested. I came to the United States at 17, and was attracted to art and music classes, since I wasn’t yet proficient in English.

Where did you study?

I wanted to learn to play saxophone and my journey began in high school. A short time later I was accepted to Buffalo State College, where I earned a Bachelor of Music degree, and Master’s in Music from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

What was your first professional gig and where?

When I was 19, I played at a night club with a salsa band in Buffalo, New York.

Who are some notables that you have performed with?

Currently, I work with a pop singer, Andy Grammer, and an all-female band Jazz in Pink. I worked with rap artist Rod Wave, Fat Joe, Ty Dolla $ign, Remy Ma, and Japanese singer Kenichi Mikawa.

What’s been your most challenging moment?

When I first moved to Los Angeles, I didn’t find work in music and stopped playing for about three years. The pandemic slowed down the entire industry. Eventually, I made my way into the R&B, smooth jazz, and pop music scene. Do you compose music? If so, how many compositions have you composed? Recordings?

I compose, occasionally, but hope to expand this area of my skill set. I composed and recorded two songs under my stage name Tomoka. They are Ready to Walk Away and T Funk.”

Do you have a publishing company with ASCAP or BMI? Do you own a business?

I am affiliated with BMI and my association with CD Baby has been lucrative.

Are you aware of the challenges women face in the male-dominated music industry?

I am aware of the importance of the visual appeal of musical groups, so I devote time to preparing my hair, makeup, and outfits for my appearances. While there are some who believe underqualified women get work simply because of their looks, I work hard to maintain high performance standards.

Do you teach? Volunteer?

I used to teach private lessons and I was a member of Dream a World Education projects, teaching LAUSD elementary schools. I am a board member of an organization that advocates for Japanese people living in Southern California. What are your current projects?

I am quite busy touring and playing shows in Southern California. Also, I am working on a solo project, one of my priorities. What advice do you have for younger people entering the world of music?

While preparing for a career in music, don’t compare yourself to your classmates. Strive to compete for work with established artists. Successful artists are not simply great musicians – they are business people who happen to play music. Maintain a professional demeanor through punctuality, preparedness, and promotion.

Gail Jhonson

Versatile pianist, composer, renaissance woman & journalist Gail Jhonson