One thing that keeps Tomoko young in spirit is her lively
curiosity.
As a teenager, Tomoko overlooked the Yokohama harbor, and
was curious about the journeys the ships took. And she was curious about
visiting other countries herself.
Tomoko continues to carry her curiosity as she travels. For
instance, when she visited a museum housed in a Medici residence, Tomoko asked,
“May I use your harpsichord? ” She wanted to know how it sounded, and the
museum staff answered, “You have to try it.” Tomoko played Bach’s Prelude in C
sharp major BWV 848 on this antique instrument.
That curiosity is well grounded in her music. She continues
to learn new pieces of music. “It is like visiting a new city,” she comments.
Each city, each piece, has unique features that pique her curiosity.
Not surprisingly, she also infuses her teaching with that
sense of curiosity. Tomoko cautions, “Never say you have no talent; students
often don’t know where they are musically.” Instead, Tomoko builds on the
child’s curiosity. She will preview a piece of music with the child, and ask,
“What do you think comes next? Which part do you like? Isn’t that rhythm
interesting?”
Tomoko also thinks that performances should leverage
curiosity. She advises her students, “When you go to a recital or other
performance venue, remember the importance of first impressions. Be most
careful at the start. Keep a little mystery about yourself that will feed
people’s curiosity.”
Tomoko concludes. “We need to grow and develop.” In the
process, she says, “We need variety. Audiences
and musicians needs novelty.” And that is fueled by curiosity. It certainly has worked for Tomoko.
