Music minor Isshin Yunoki ‘25 immersed himself in classical piano throughout childhood, but his shift towards jazz and composition since coming to Swarthmore has defined his growth as a musician. Classically trained since the age of four, Yunoki used to use music competitions to mark his progress. But by the end of high school, he felt his passion waning. “I almost quit altogether,” he admits. “I could no longer play for my own joy.” It wasn’t until he arrived at Swarthmore that he approached music with a new perspective: to play and create with heart over hands. 

Time at Swarthmore quickly rekindled Yunoki’s love of music. As a first-year music student, he found creativity in learning jazz piano through private lessons, where he ventured out of the traditional structures of classical style. “Jazz gave me freedom,” he recalls. “But it also challenged me because I had to make musical choices within that freedom.”

Yunoki runs and performs at Jazz Poetry Nights, a monthly late-night event where artists spontaneously craft music inspired by live poetry readings. There are no rehearsals or sheet music; instead, Yunoki plays almost entirely by ear, responding to the energy in the room. “It’s not easy to come up with new things on the spot,” he admits. “It can be draining, but I’ve never grown tired of it. There’s always some new spark, some fresh idea to explore.” When not on the keys, Yunoki keeps busy singing in the a cappella group Sixteen Feet and in The Toes, a barbershop quartet. He sees each musical setting as a chance to broaden his creative horizons. 

Yunoki’s musical experience at Swarthmore has ultimately driven him to focus on composing, a passion that he has matured into. “I've grown up enough to realize that I have things I want to say to the wider audience.” He continues, ”I think music is one of the strongest ways to carry emotions, opinions, and sentiments.” 

Yunoki has grown his musical foundation in the practice room and the classroom. To further his knowledge about the impact of music, he took 19th Century Music in Europe and the U.S. taught by Professor Barbara Mileswki. More than textbook reading and note-taking, the course leaned heavily on discussion about the impact of historical music and musicians on society and culture. 

Yunoki is a Computer Science major, and the research on assistive AI tools for music composition has begun to bridge the gap between his two areas of study. Cautiously optimistic about AI’s hand in music, he feels strongly that there still needs to be a human element in compositional processes.  “If no human-led creative process can be present in computer-based music making, that feels so empty and meaningless. To me, the very concern of music is humanity.” In the future, Yunoki hopes to explore technology and tools that nurture human creativity without altering it. “I’d love to work in the music technology field and keep these discussions going,” he says. 

On April 5th, Yunoki will present his senior recital—a curated selection of pieces that represent different facets of who he is. Featuring timeless masterpieces and original works, the recital showcases the eclectic range of his influences over the years. The performance will begin at 5 p.m. in the Lang Music Concert Hall, is free and open to the public.

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Favorite music course at Swarthmore? 19th Century Music in Europe and the United States! Professor Barbara has become a massive inspiration ever since.

Favorite music-making experience at Swarthmore? Composition, Music 119, with Professor Collins.

What you’ll miss most about Swarthmore? The people – I’ll miss my friends a lot.

What sound or noise do you love?  Rain hitting on a metal roof. It’s nice when you get to hear it.

What sound or noise do you hate? Fingernails on a chalkboard, a classic. 

What’s the last song/piece you played on your phone?  David by Allysha Joy, an Australian neo-soul artist!