What was your favorite thing about growing up in your neighborhood? Growing up DEEP in Hawaii Kai, it was safe enough to walk home and our neighbors knew we were home so I was able to be alone in the house from the 4th grade, when I started studying with Mrs. Aileen Zen Chun. I got a lot of practicing in because I HAD to finish my homework and practice before I could go outside and skate around with my friends/neighbors.
What is your favorite piece of music to play? To listen to? This is a tough one for the pianists especially I think. Each piece is almost like your favorite child. These are my favorites TODAY: Chopin Waltz in Eminor (op posth) and Amy Beach "Gaelic Symphony" (this is my other work-related, but I've had it on and it's catchy!) It'll be different tomorrow.
If you were stranded on a desert island (with an iPod that was always miraculously charged), what 5 albums would help you pass the time? Umm....ok, this would have been better "If you had a CD player etc" then this question would work. Last time I checked my Itunes, I had over 84 days of music available so here's what would probably fit on a 128GB ipod: 1)Monsters of Rock 80s hair band compilation). 2)Les Miserables 10th Ann recording (Lea Salonga as Eponine, not her later Fantine), 3) Yo Yo Ma's 2nd recording of the Bach Cello Suites 4)The Seatbelts doing the soundtrack to Cowboy Bebop OR greatest hits of J-dorama soundtracks. I couldn't make up my mind on this one. 5)Remaining space to be filled by whatever fits from the Deutche Grammophone Anniversary collection that I've never sat down to listen to.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure eating spot in Hawaii? OOh...so many of mine are gone...victims of the pandemic. I still enjoy taking out from Von's KFC on Pensacola. (either original or Korea shoyu flavor, for those in the know)
You’re awarded an unlimited amount of dollars to plan your dream vacation. Where would you go and why? I love traveling! I guess I could use one of the seasons of the Amazing Race as a template, but I could make a dream vacation out of almost any trip. Many places have great exploration spots. Truthfully, as long as I like the food, it's a dream vacation.
What achievement over the course of your life are you most proud of? Every student that is still able to play. I've had a lot of benchmarks personally but I'm so proud when I see my students meet their aspirations. I'm also proud of the three HMTA Pianomania events that I’ve helped to produce and conduct!
What is one of your fondest memories of a teacher? Ellen Masaki halfway falling asleep then jolting awake and answering her lego-brick size phone that she tucked in her bra strap. Love that woman. I was blessed with great teachers but that memory makes me smile.
What is one of the most important pieces of advice that you were given as a musician or teacher? Dr. Edward Shipwright: teaching is the same energy as performing. Natalya Antonova: Some people aren't meant to do both teach and play. It's ok. ( Некоторые люди не предназначены для того, чтобы учить и играть.)
What is your philosophy of teaching? Every day is different! Part of the journey of discovery is finding out that what worked yesterday may not work today. Sometimes the best thing to do is the exact opposite.
How do you motivate your students to practice and excel at their craft? I stress performing at every opportunity. We try to have community engagement opportunities several times during the year. There's nothing like putting yourself out there and connecting with your listeners.
What is one important piece of knowledge that you would like young musicians to know or think about? It's not about you, dude. Well it is, but it isn't. Read everything you can, empathy is key in performance.
What advice do you have for the young aspiring musicians of the next generation? Be diligent. It's an ever-changing world so practicing flexibility is incredibly important.