Tomoko left Japan in 1962 to continue her musical studies
and career, and was accepted at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. It was
a life-changing experience.
Tomoko studied composition and theory, including
counterpoint, with Mr. Sol Joseph there. She learned 12-tone music and other aspects
of composition with Robert Erickson. He encouraged students to explore their
own compositional styles. This support led Tomoko, who was a voice minor, to
have several opportunities to perform her many haiku compositions. “These
teachers were more encouraging and more nurturing of creativity than teachers
in Japan,” remembers Tomoko. She continues, “There were so many talented
teachers in the 1960s; they were very open-minded and welcoming.”
Tomoko also owes James H. Schwabacher a great debt of
gratitude. At one point in her college career, Tomoko didn’t have enough money
to pay for her tuition. At this critical time James Schwabacher provided Tomoko
with the scholarship money so she could continue at the Conservatory. James
Schwabacher was a board member of the school then. He was a true musician and
patron of the arts. A classical singer with a very promising future, James
Schwabacher suffered a non-malignant growth on his vocal chords, His career was
redirected into teaching and mentoring.
