Tomoko understands hardship, and she knows that it can help
one personally and professionally.
As a child in war-worn Japan, Tomoko experienced shortages
of food and other supplies. Neighbors sold their organ to Tomoko’s family
because of financial constraints, which led Tomoko and her brother eventually to
become professional musicians. She remembers her high school teachers promising
her and other students chocolate in order to motivate them to memorize music.
When Tomoko arrived in the United States, her English wasn’t
very good, so she had to learn the nuances of the language to get around. To a
large extent, she had to make it on her own; she built on her experience to
give piano lessons to help pay tuition and daily expenses. Tomoko’s hardships
have helped her build resilience and inner strength.
Tomoko’s family has also experienced hardships. Tomoko’s
husband Desy also experienced hardships. He was a professor who fled Hungary
under Communist rule. When he arrived in San Francisco he had so little money
that he had to sleep in the park. Their daughter Beata had to make sacrifices
for her skating, traveling a distance to practice at the rink sometimes before
the sun came up. Both husband and daughter have gone on to successful and fulfilling
careers.
Having dealt with hardships, Tomoko knows how to encourages
her piano students who themselves experience hardships. When parents do not
support their children’s playing, Tomoko encourages her students to keep up
their hope. When a piece challenges a student, Tomoko helps them take one step
at a time to overcome the musical obstacles.
Tomoko philosophizes: “When you have hardship, you
understand more.” She continues, “Then I
tell my students that everything is possible.” Tomoko should know.
