Throughout her life, Tomoko has made friends because of
music. “I enjoy other people’s lives and challenges,” says Tomoko. “Through
music I meet so many people.”
More generally, Tomoko explains
how music brings people together. “People can welcome music anytime. Music is
powerful. I don’t have to say anything."
In college in Tokyo, Tomoko had fun with the other music
majors. “We pianists were all together and are still good friends. We
would study in the morning, and practice
the rest of the day.”
When Tomoko came to the the United States, she knew very few
people, but music provided a way to make friends at the Conservatory of San Francisco. Tomoko
would also be invited to her colleagues’ homes for the holidays. She also remembers going with a couple of
Conservatory girl friends to visit Pablo Casals at Arizona State University,
where a library was being dedicated to him. Tomoko now sees parents chatting
together at the Conservatory where she teaches. “You have a place to share, and
can help each other,” Tomoko recalls in
her decades of experience there.
Tomoko’s students sometimes contact her years after they have
grown up or moved. It was their continued friendship that led to the honorific concert
in May 2013. Tomoko also remembers her own teachers, and remet an old professor
in London, 40 years after studying with him.
Tomoko has also made friends with other professional musicians.
For instance, Lili Kraus was a concert pianist and master class
teacher. Tomoko met her twice in Japan, and Lili said to Tomoko: II have to
learn from you about the piano.” They shared their love of music and became
good friends.
Music also brought Tomoko and her husband together; they met
at a Hungarian dance party!
