Music is more than a literal experience. For Tomoko, music takes
on metaphorical meaning. Here are a few of her analogies.
Feel free to listen to Tomoko’s creative expression as
showcased in her Mozart album: https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tomokohagiwara7
Tomoko compares the piano to a garden. “The keyboard is a
garden. Each key is a unique flower that needs to be cultivated. Together, the
keys create a bouquet.” Of course, one difference is that the combination of
those 88 keys offers much more variety because they constantly change; “How
many pieces does a scale play?”
When talking about learning a piece of music, Tomoko
compares it to climbing up a hill: “Each piece is a little challenge. You need
to keep moving.” As the performer gains more confidence, “then you can look
back to see your progress. And when you have mastered the piece, it is like
reaching the mountain peak. You feel a great accomplishment, and can see a far
distance.” In this same analogy, Tomoko
points out the role of the teacher. “The student should go straight ahead, but
sometimes he needs direction. That’s the biggest job of the teacher.”
Another metaphor is carpentry. “Music education provides
tools for the pianist, like a carpenter. Each one draws upon his own experience
using those tools to craft a beautiful performance.” Tomoko continues, “What is
the difference in how the music sounds? Each composer is creative with his
tools.”
And since Independence Day is forthcoming, a final metaphor
is most timely. “Music is freedom.” Tomoko thinks of Mozart in this regard, “I
love Mozart so much, I can repeat it 20 times because it gives me freedom.” She
concludes “That is my main job, that spiritual idea of extending more freedom
through music.”
