Suzuki

Yoshiko performs as recitalist, soloist, and chamber musician throughout Japan and the New England area. Recipient of several awards throughout Japan, Yoshiko was presented the opportunity, as a grand prizewinner, to perform her solo debut in the Tokyo Bunka-kaikan Hall. Her performances have been reported as "carefully colored and musically refined ... with a sensitive ear, relating sound to musical expression... Her remarkably unique interpretations were the charm of her performance..." Since her debut concert, she has returned to Japan by invitation to perform in various concert series. She has been invited to several summer festivals, including The New York Keyboard Festival and The Aspen Music Festival as a two-year fellowship. Yoshiko's performances have been broadcast live from the studios of Boston radio stations WGBH & WMNB and Aspen, CO Radio KAJX. In addition to her classical interests, she excels as contemporary artist performing and premiering new works for resident composers and ensembles. Yoshiko received her BM at Toho-Gakuen Conservatory of Music and MM, with honors, at New England Conservatory of Music. Principal teachers have included Gabriel Chodos, Yoriko Takahashi and Tamiko Ishimoto.

I love the feeling of playing music. I love well-conceived, well-crafted music played well, with great tone, rhythm, and phrasing. I love the creating, the energy, and the expression in music. The study of an instrument can be a fulfilling journey, bringing dedication and discipline to one's inspiration. When I began learning how to play the piano, the music I was listening to inspired a desire to 'learn how to do' what I was hearing. When I listened to improvised music, I wanted to do the same. Music fuels my inspiration. I'm happy to be teaching a lot of dedicated and talented students, from young beginners to advanced learners. I love teaching because I love music and working with others, and I value the energy that comes from working on music. It's inspiring to see a student's love of music, and how the music can bring out power and excellence in playing. In addition to teaching piano at WCMS, I also teach at the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown; at Powers Music School in Belmont; and at my home studio in Malden. I serve as the music director at St. Anne's Church in Billerica, where I perform Baroque, classical, jazz, and worship music on organ and piano. BM, Berklee College of Music, Piano - Film Scoring - Magna Cum Laude Taubman Technique for Piano study with Yoriko Fieleke Jazz improvisation study with the late Charlie Banacos Organ technique and choral conducting study with Mark Engelhardt Certified teacher of the Suzuki Method for Piano early books Coach of students interested in preparing for the ABRSM piano practical & theory exams Organist for weddings; some jazz piano trio work; pianist in a Boston-based improvisation band (2000-2014) Past teaching work: Phillips Academy, Andover - summer program; and Creative Arts for Kids, Reading

I can't remember a time when I didn't love music. From the very beginning, our home was filled with all sorts of music—Irish fiddle, mariachi, Bach, Beethoven, and Gregorian chant. I learned early about the beauty of this universal language. When I was five years old, I sat, mesmerized, through an entire performance of Mozart's Magic Flute. The gorgeous costumes, wonderful voices, and brilliant orchestra enchanted me. I knew, then, that I wanted to "make music." During my early years, I participated in music/movement programs and started piano and ballet lessons when I turned six. During middle school, I added modern dance and played flute, saxophone, and vibes in the school band. In high school and college, I narrowed my studies to flute and piano. Along the way, there have been symphonic and jazz bands, choral accompaniment, flute choirs, and piano ensembles—all of which gave me a rich background in musical genres and an appreciation for the power of group performance. Several of those experiences and the teachers who led them have had a tremendous impact on my own teaching. The first was my eleven years as a camper and counselor at the Plymouth State Piano Monster Festival, a duet and ensemble camp. Led by Dr. Carleen Graff, an internationally recognized expert in piano pedagogy, I had the opportunity to work with composers, conductors, and talented campers. We learned creative ways for maturing students to stay involved. Then, between my junior and senior years of high school, I had the privilege of playing flute and piccolo with the New England Ambassadors of Music on a European tour. I'll never forget the welcomes we received in village churches and town squares. Community performance can be vital and rewarding for students. Finally, in my senior year of college, during Jonathan Santore's Global Jazz course, I renewed my passion for music cultures and the artists who make them. I believe we must, as teachers, help students appreciate the different musical voices and rhythms in our world. During the past thirteen years, I've truly enjoyed teaching piano and flute students. Special courses and workshops have prepared me to work with students of all ages, their learning styles and interests. Training in Suzuki methodology has given me additional strategies for helping students develop strong foundation skills with the help of their parents. Together, we can help each child share his or her inner music. Seeing wonder in students' eyes when they make new connections and succeed in their learning is especially rewarding for me. Their recognition and pride in their own accomplishments is priceless.