As an adult who took 10 years of piano lessons, scored a Level 5 on two NYSMA competitions while in high school, and yet cannot play a single complete piece of music today, I am thrilled to have Tomoko as my children’s piano instructor because she is first and foremost a lover of music and a believer in its power to be a lifelong source of joy. While my own piano instructor focused on teaching me how to play specific pieces of music, Tomoko teaches my children how to express themselves musically. She is a classically trained pianist with a genuine gift for teaching. She has cultivated a deep connection with my two children (aged 11 and 9) by quickly getting to know them both personally and musically. She tailors her teaching to meet their specific needs and likes, drawing upon my son’s love of Star Wars, for example, and my daughter’s interest in singing. Tomoko uses a multitude of different avenues and entry points to reach each of my two very different kids with joy and a love for music that will be deep and lasting. I am enormously grateful to her for the care she brings to each lesson, and for the beautiful music she has brought into our family’s home. The enormous progress my children made in just six months of lessons speaks for itself. Tomoko is simply outstanding at what she does.
- Tracey S. (Parent)
Lulu has been taking lessons from Yusuke for 9 months now. Lulu's love for playing guitar simply tells how great Yusuke as a guitar teacher is.
He is very patient and I appreciate how he respects Lulu's speed to learn music. As any 6 years old, Lulu loves to challenge new things everyday. After she gets the melody and before she perfects it, often she gets bored and does not want to play the song any more. Yusuke quickly noticed the routine and he gives her new challenging songs every now and then, and also goes back to practice the other songs over and over. This method has been greatly working with Lulu. Now she can play so many songs!
Not only just playing the instrument, but also Yusuke works with Lulu on reading and writing music. Lulu is always looking forward to the cute stickers that she gets after the homework is turned in.
I love the fact that Yusuke and Tomoko introduced the students how instruments can create harmony together as a band by performing with their band(amazing!) at the end of the recital. It was a fun show to watch for kids and adults.
I am very happy that we found Yusuke and Lulu takes lessons from him. Moreover, LULU IS HAPPY that she is taking lessons from Yusuke!
- Michiru T. (Parent)
I started piano lessons at Music and Heart for my daughter at three and a half years old While that might seem young, I was really only interested in introducing the piano to her. I had no big expectations. However, now after almost a year (and one recital under her belt) I have to say that I have seem my daughter blossom musically under the guidance of Tomoko. Not only does she learn piano but also voice and musicality, which together creates a wonderful appreciation of music. Tomoko's approach makes music fun and enjoyable. My daughter plays at home, reading her music, singing and even improvising. I can't recommend Music and Heart enough.
- Melissa H. (Parent)
母親の私は、娘に、いつかピアノに興味を持ち、習い始めてくれたらいいなぁ…と思い続けていたところ9歳になり、智子先生に出会えてそれが実現しました。
先生は、娘と同じ視線に立って指導してくれ、友達のような距離感でいてくれるので、すんなりとピアノのレッスンを始めることが出来ました。今では娘はリラックスできて毎回のレッスンをとっても楽しんでいます。
これからも、先生との楽しい時間を過ごしてほしいと思っています。
- Nanae T. (Parent)