There was music in Tomoko’s house as she was growing up: singing, listening to the
radio. Tomoko followed her brother’s lead in playing the piano. So family can
certainly determine what musical instrument might be pursued.
Sometimes people will choose an instrument because it’s
available, or because a certain kind of instrumentalist is in short supply.
Even the size and weight of an instrument might be a criteria for choice, such
as varying configurations of stringed instruments. In in some cases, how the
music is produced physically, such as a violin versus a clarinet, can impact
which instrument “works” for an individual. In addition, different musical
instruments resonate with different people. “Why can’t some people play the
piano?” Tomoko muses, “It’s a type.” In choosing an instrument, Tomoko has a
broad perspective: “Choosing a musical instrument is like being at a big fest. Make
you who know you are. Look from the start. Know what you want. Whatever is your
path.”
If you ask Tomoko, why choose the piano, she says, “Piano is
a basic instrument. It can be played independently or as part of a group, so it
brings a certain freedom.” Tomoko asserts, “Pianists are luckier than singers, as
well. Pianists can make same image at orchestra. They can see the whole.”
On the other hand, Tomoko says, “The piano can be the most
difficult musical instrument.” She asserts. “You need a long time and patience
to play, at least three years. So it is a long-term investment. Some students
quit too soon because they are not patient.” However, that effort can be
stimulating; Tomoko counters: “Enjoy the challenge, and gain confidence.” As
can well be imagined, she is a very encouraging piano teacher. And she is very
happy with her lifelong choice of playing the piano.
You can share her pleasure of performing by listening to her recordings at http://www.tomokohagiwara.com/recordings.html
