philosophy

my musical lineage - join me and be a part of music history!

I'm immensely grateful for this journey that shaped my philosophy in music and teaching, and all the people who helped me cementing my musical path. 


"music is singing, and singing is music"

At Age 3, my mother took me to the course for young students at a local Yamaha Music School. I loved the experience and stayed in the same class with the same teacher, Ms. Sumiko Ogi for 8 more years. Ms. Ogi introduced me the joy of listening, singing, and making music together with others. My musical education was never about just myself - but always about growing together with others and supporting each other. 

"repertoire is music, but music is not always repertoire" 

I love classical music.  I love sharing its vast spectrum of repertoire ranging from standards to hidden gems.  However, my music lessons extend beyond learning repertoire: many students also find a joy in creating music by improvising and composing. Some find a joy in playing by ear. Many students love collaborating with other musicians.  Versatility is what I aim for, and I listen to and respect each student's interests and capability. 

"music I like , but the practice I don't"

As is the majority, my practice was close to non-existent for some time in my youth. In the culture I grew up, when a child stops practicing, that's the time when parents typically say "No more music lessons." Luckily that didn't happen to me; I'm grateful for my parents' understanding and for the patience of my teachers, Mr. Glen Nagatoshi and Prof. Anne Craig Lum. 

I help students in developing a sustainable practice routine.  The way students practice will keep changing over the course of their lives.  Each year we take a look at where they are in their growth and find a smart way to create and keep a practice routine in their busy life. 

Recently, one of my then-high school students said this quote to me and I thought, "Now I have come full cycle."

With Lina Doo, at my senior recital (November, 2009). I miss her tremendously. 

"Trust in students and give everyone a chance" 

I can thank two people especially for teaching me how I can support other musicians collaboratively with my skills: Mrs. Mary Ann Llamedo and the late Professor Lina Jeong Doo. During my high school years, Mrs. Llamedo saw me playing piano and asked me if I was interested in accompanying her choir classes.  Lina also saw me playing piano in the classroom and asked me if I wanted to accompany her voice classes.  Even though I was a newbie in the business, she kept inviting me to help her musical theatre programs and productions she was directing. I've performed at countless choir and band concerts and more than 10 musical productions. I thank Mrs. Llamedo and Lina for this life long gift. 

College and Graduate School

It was inspiring to be in music schools among many talented students and professors.  Below is the list of performances and compositions by the musicians whom I had opportunities to study with (in classes and privately):

Purchase Conservatory, Winter 2010

I've also had the opportunity to study with musicians below in masterclasses and private lessons: