Music can give us immediate results, but sometimes we have to wait a long time to see them. Tomoko has experienced both – and encourages her students to be patient and perseverent in order to enjoy positive results.
When a piece has been mastered, playing it can bring instant gratification, but getting to that point of fluid performance can demand much time and effort, and in the process it can feel as if that day of mastery, those positive results, will never arrive.
Tomoko reminds us, “No all efforts are seen immediately.” She knows that piano practice for students demands ten to fifteen hours a week. "Students need to have a commitment, and be responsible in their playing, " Tomoko points out. “Students need to learn discipline and disappointment. In any case, they need to present their best effort.” She continues, “Such dedication and consistent practice are good ideas for a lifetime.” In effect, such habits lead to lifelong results that will keep one in good stead.
While Tomoko states the “the responsiblity for the lesson lies with the student,” she also realizes that the teacher too needs perseverance. Tomoko explains, “ A teacher’s job is like a parent’s job: unlimited. Scholarship takes a long time.” So just as it may take a long time for a student to learn a piece, the teacher needs to continually guide the student, like a parent, and encourage him or her to keep trying. “The student needs direction and a goal. Tomoko continues, “It takes lots of knowledge, and is very individual,” The teacher can spot where a student runs into stumbling blocks, and figures out ways to help that student over the learning obstacle rather than give up and accept poor results. “Sometimes people work in plateaus, showing no progress and then making a leap,” Tomoko says. The teacher then receives positive results, as Tomoko notes: “I am so proud of every single student learning from me by weekly lessons.”
The ultimate result is appreciation of the piano, music, and one’s own self. Tomoko concludes, “Once you learn how to play, and enjoy such music, nobody can buy it or steal it. It is yours forever.” What better result can one have?
