Music and Art

Tomoko sees a strong connection between music and art. She asserts: “Music and art are transformative and active.” She considers both of these creative expressions as active processes.

Both music and art draw inspiration from the close and familiar, the larger arena of life with its struggles and triumphs, and from the creator’s own imagination.

Both use a variety of tools in their creation, tools that they need to master over time. While both are creative endeavors, they also require much discipline in composition and execution.

Both draw from universal principles within their own field, and optimize the elements of their field. Interestingly, some terms are found in both fields. Rhythmic beat and symmetry are found in both fields, for example.  Tone in music encompasses duration, pitch, intensity and timbre or quality. Tone in art deals with light and dark values. But both fields use the term tone to express the mood of a piece.

Both meld intellect and emotion. While each field internalizes the technical aspects of composition (another joint term), the creators also externalize their own emotions– or capture the passions of those around them who inspire their works.

Both can move and impact their audiences as they reflect their times – or change society. Both fields can produce little known and ephemeral works, and both can produce enduring masterpieces.

Tomoko states that “music is powerful and never-ending.” The same claim could be made about art.

She also things that “art is a happy life. However, some push themselves too much so are not happy.” Again, the same cautionary tale can apply to musicians and composers. Just look at Mozart.

In any case, both music and art can inspire – yet are the result of much hard, disciplined and creative effort.

Off to a Good Start

“The piano is an excellent instrument to play,” asserts Tomoko. “It’s widely available, flexible, and offers so many opportunities to play great music. It’s like an orchestra in one instrument.” 

Parents may want their child to learn how to play the piano. But the interest should come from the child – or whoever is considering starting to learn. Here are some ways to expose you and your child to piano playing:

• Listen to piano music on the radio or online.
• Watch piano performances on TV or online (such as YouTube).
• Go to a music store that sells pianos, and have the staff talk about, and demonstrate, the piano – and the pieces of music to choose from.
•  Find a relative, friend, teacher, or classmate who enjoys playing the piano, and share that experience.

When is a good time to start taking piano lessons? Tomoko recommends age 5 because children develop their small motor skills between ages 5 and 7. Tomoko also says, “At this age, children have no fear.” On the other hand, one can start at any age. "Interest, willingness, and perseverance are the main considerations."

As for talent, Tomoko says, “All students have talent. They just grow at different rates.” 

What should you expect? Tomoko knows that the beginning time is crucial: “The first experience needs to be fun. The teacher needs to be welcoming.” Of her own approach, Tomoko says, “I open the door. I am their passport to visit the country of pianos.” At the same time, first year piano is a learning process. Tomoko cautions: “The piano is not easy to play; you need a long time and patience. It’s a long-term investment.” 

Tomoko also states that learning how to play is a physical process; “The brain and the body need to be coordinated.” Tomoko uses this analogy: “Young children don’t know how to use pencil. Some teachers say you can’t be sloppy; try to be neat and clear. Where finger should be positioned? Posture is important. All those details need to be considered when starting out.”

Right from the start, students need preparation and discipline. They should practice at least ten hours a week. “Every lesson should have a challenge; you need to improve and grow,” claims Tomoko. “It is better to stretch than relax.” At the same time, Tomoko cautions, “Too much challenge is not good. I encourage students to try; I want them to keep their confidence.”

With a strong start and a trusting relationship with a knowledgeable and caring piano teacher,  beginning piano students can look forward to a lifelong skill and love of music that enrichens them.

Tomoko's Life Lessons Made Personal

My name is Solange Fortenbach. I study at NYU, double majoring in Politics and Environmental Studies.

Studying under Tomoko Hagiwara was one of the most memorable, exhilarating and nerve-wracking experiences of my life. Her passion for music resonates in her teaching and rubs off on her students. She says devotion to one's  work translates to personal success, and she values musicality more than anything else. In our lessons, Tomoko tended to give motivational speeches, and in many she discussed the value of hard work, compassion, and humility. 

My time as a student of Tomoko required discipline. Tomoko's lessons taught me to be meticulous as much as I was musical. I learned to identify different intonations and understand how the tone in which a note is played can change the story of the piece, also affecting the emotions experienced by the audience. A required component of musicality that everyone must understand is one of compassion. Tomoko saw me grow up, and, in that, saw my family experience some hardship. In this time, she showed more compassion than anyone I’ve ever known. 

Coming to NYU, I've used Tomoko’s lessons to help guide me through university life. When writing essays and coding, Tomoko’s lessons on thoroughness and hard work keep me writing and proofreading. When debating fellow students in my seminar courses, compassion has taught me the importance of seeing another’s point of view. In times when I am wrong, Tomoko’s lessons on humility have taught me to admit my mistakes and learn from them. Tomoko’s lessons are life lessons which I will continue to live out not only in my work ethic, but also in my comportment towards others.