What makes up quality?
“Quality is a constant,” Tomoko asserts. Furthermore, she
thinks: “We are born with a sense of quality. Therefore, we need to start with
the best taste in music.”
In terms of composition, Tomoko states, “The ingredients of
music need to be the best.” For those individuals may have heard similar motifs
in different musical pieces, Tomoko muses, “Steal ideas from the best.”
To express that quality requires high-quality performance.
As a performer, the pianist needs to interpret the composition as musically
authentically as possible. The performer
needs to know the piece well enough that it becomes part of that person’s
muscle memory, freeing one to consciously focus on expression. Performers also
know that the quality of the piano itself impacts the quality of the
performance – and the ability to showcase the composition.
Furthermore, quality refers to piano instruction. Parents
should find out about teachers’ reputation. Tomoko recommends, “Try different
teachers” to insure the optimum match between the teacher and their children.
Students also need a solid performance foundation: with technique and music
theory knowledge. Furthermore, students also need to incorporate expression,
drawing upon their own experience and empathetic imagination. Tomoko reiterates
the importance of quality: “Part of that instruction involves exposing students
to the classics to instill formal musical taste.”
When all of these factors are optimized, then quality is
optimized. Music is a most human endeavor – and not only elevates sound but
humanity itself.
