Mothering Music

 

Tomoko knows that it often takes a family to raise a young pianist. Not only does the family have to sometimes sacrifice to pay for lessons, but they need to provide the home conditions to facilitate daily practice – and reinforce its importance, not only to develop technical skills but also to develop self-discipline and perseverance.

Not surprisingly, Tomoko started teaching her own daughter Beata how to play the piano. Even though Beata does not perform professionally, she has dueted with her mother at occasional recitals. And music is an essential part of Beata’s life as she HAS performed professionally as an ice dancer, where the choice and leverage of music is key.

Tomoko knows her students well, and works hard to match the music with the specific needs and interests of each student. She observes and interacts with parents in order to provide appropriate support for the family so that the piano student will succeed. She What advice does Tomoko give to mothers of blossoming pianists?

• You may think your child is gifted, but you are probably not the best judge. It is more useful to support the child’s hard work and self-discipline.
• Encourage your children to share what they learned in their lessons.  
• Don’t judge by grades; they can be misleading.
• Don’t get too stressed or competitive; skill takes effort but it should also be satisfying and rewarding.
• Technical skills provide a strong foundation, and muscle development and muscle memory can start early. But technical is not enough; the player needs to bring personal interpretation and emotion, and that takes maturity so be patient.
• Let the teachers choose the music; they have a larger repertoire and they know what is appropriate for the child’s ability.

And piano students should thank their mothers for encouraging and supporting their interest in the piano. Not just on Mother’s Day but every day.

When Should Children Start Piano Lessons

Tomoko asserts, “You can start learning how to play the piano at any age.” However, starting piano lessons too early can be a waste of money. Here are some guidelines.

First, the child should WANT to learn how to play. If there is a piano or electric keyboard around, does the child show interest and gravitate to it? Pushing a reluctant child into piano lessons invites frustration and family fights. 

Is the child emotionally ready? Can the child follow directions? Is the child willing to accept instruction – and criticism? Does the child have a long enough attention span to sit still, practice and persevere?

Is the child physically ready? Can the child place his hands parallel to the ground when seated so he doesn’t have to strain when reaching the piano? Does the child have enough finder strength to press the piano keys down effectively? (A good way to tell is if the child can hold onto objects without dropping them.) Does the child have sufficient fine motor skills; for instance, can he color within a picture’s lines and draw letters accurately? Does the child have enough stamina to last through a 20-minute lesson without getting tired? 

Is the child cognitively ready? Can the child tell between her left and right hand? Can the child count? Does the child know the alphabet? Can the child learn how to read notes?

AND are the parents ready to encourage and support the child? 

Even if children aren’t ready to take piano lessons, they can still be encouraged to become familiar with the piano. They can explore how sounds are made on the piano. They can discover the relationship between the sequence of the keys and the associated pitch from low to high. They can watch people play the piano, and enjoy the music that is created. The piano player can also point out how a piano score notes correspond to the keys, just as letter shapes correspond to sounds (generally). 

Just as there is reading readiness, there is musical reading and performance readiness. And a lifetime of learning and enjoyment.

Parents Praise Tomoko

Tomoko’s students often shared Tomoko’s advice with their parents, and those parents also received great advice from Tomoko directly. A sampling follows.

“My daughter started piano lessons just wanting to play Bach, but she learned to appreciate other composers, even Beethoven who is a bear to play.”

“Tomoko does a good job choosing songs that match the person’s personality.”

“Tomoko selects pieces for a lifetime.”

“Tomoko brings out a person’s musical potentiality. She breaks down hard pieces into manageable parts to practice.”

“Tomoko challenges and pushes students. She told me one day, ‘I would be insulting if I didn’t challenge them."

“Tomoko has faith in her students and guides them. My son’s recital was one of his greatest challenges but he succeeded and it helped him with future challenges.”

“Tomoko helps students learn how to carry themselves in life.”

 “Tomoko is like a grandma with her advice: ‘Practice in everything. Be self aware and self disciplined.’”

“Tomoko shares her passion and love.  Her dedication for so many years putting up with students is astounding. Students are so lucky. Tomoko models her own advice: “Llive a life that honors you.”

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.