He was known as an expert in koto (Chinese zither) and biwa (Japanese lute), and well versed in a variety of music at the time from kagura (ancient Shinto music and dancing), shomyo (ancient Indian linguistic and grammar studies), roei (recitation of Japanese or Chinese poem), imayo (Heian poetry style), and saibara (genre of Heian era Japanese court music primarily consisting of gaku-styled folk melodies).
特に筝や琵琶の名手として知られ、更に神楽・声明・朗詠・今様・催馬楽など当時の音楽のあらゆる分野に精通していたと言われている。