Tomoko started giving piano lessons when she was a teenager,
so it was no wonder that she first made money in the United States by giving
piano lessons to Japanese families – and continues to this day as a piano
teacher. With her lifetime experience, Tomoko is well positioned to give advice
to a new piano teacher.
She begins by saying, “Don’t expect anything.” Remembering
her long way to success, Tomoko asserts, “There’s no payoff right away. You
need patience.” Tomoko uses an analogy to gardening, an activity that she
increasingly enjoys. “You need to be well grounded in your music.” That takes
deep roots in the knowledge of music and performance, daily toil in maintaining
your skill, and ongoing weeding of bad habits. “Music is to be cultivated through
preparation and development.”
Tomoko cautions, “As a teacher you will have bumpy feelings.
Parents can be demanding. Student progress can be uneven. Sometimes it seems as
if nothing is happening – and then there will be a spark.” She continues, “Think
of this as positive pressure.” And that feeling can be transmitted to the
students when they have a hard time. Tomoko knows that the teacher has to be a
diagnostician, a problem solver, and an encourager. “Sometimes I trick students
to do well, “Tomoko admits. “Always give
hope.”
Over time, experience helps refine teaching. The variety and the fun sustain efforts. "You become classier; you become a better person." In any case, "Do your best," concludes Tomoko.
