Tomoko deals with parents all the time, and realizes their
impact on future pianists and music lovers. She says,“Parents’ experiences can impact
whether their child will take piano.”
Music was Tomoko’s mother’s dream. She was cheerful listening
to music, and supported her children’s pursuit of music.
Tomoko herself has shared her love of music with her
daughter Beata, who is now a professional ice skater. Tomoko says, “If you play
music, the family is peaceful.” When Beata was in third grade, Tomoko took her
to a live opera to give her a good musical foundation, and help her learn about
musical interpretation. “Everyone should enjoy music.”
At the same time, Tomoko knew that mothers shouldn’t be
their child’s music teacher. Mothers don’t always know what instrument or what
music is the best for her child. Parents may misguide their children, or they
may want to push their children too fast; they need to wait for their child to
be ready.
Tomoko sometimes acts as a mother when teaching other
children. She motivates them and helps them face each piece as a little
challenge, encouraging them to grow musically. At the same time, Tomoko
protects the child, particularly if the parent is present at the lesson. Tomoko
teaches the parents while she teaches their children.
Listen to some mother-friendly piano music performed by
Tomoko; her album Baroque to 20th Century insluces “Scences form
Childhood” and “My Mother Used to Lullaby Me Like This”: http://www.tomokohagiwara.com/recordings.html#.
And Happy Mother’s Day!
