The mind is as important as the body when it comes to
playing the piano. Tomoko has much advice about this aspect of musicianship.
What makes for a good pianist? Tomoko asserts: “Both hand
coordination AND brain power.” Tomoko interviews potential students as part of
the process of deciding whether to accept them. In those discussions, the
person’s mind and personality come into play. “You can tell taste,” she
says. “You can get at their motivation.
You can tell if they are willing to discipline themselves.”
As for teaching, her guidance is not just technical. “Advice
should always be warm and good.” She adds, “I use my judgment about the piece
and the student. It’s psychological.”
“When starting to learn a piece with lyrics,” Tomoko says, “you
need to start with the words. What is the meaning? What is the philosophy of
the lyricist?” Learning the notes and how to play them also requires
understanding the composer’s style; “What is the feeling? How does the phrasing
convey the message?” Whatever the process, Tomoko says, “Approach the piece
with curiosity. It is like visiting a new city. Explore and get to know the
music.”
Practice is psychological too. “Practice is like gardening,”
Tomoko asserts. “You need to do it every day and pay attention to all the
details.” She adds, “It requires
patience. Sometimes you don’t see the growth for a long time, but it is worth
the ongoing effort.”
Recitals also demand psychological attention. “You need to
be both technically and psychologically ready.” What is the payoff for such
effort? “It focuses you, and lifts you up,” concludes Tomoko.
