This post is part of a series highlighting our lessons instructors! Mayumi Osada teaches piano lessons. Originally from Japan, Mayumi holds music degrees from the University of New York at Binghamton (BA in Music & MM in Piano Performance) as well as the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (DMA in Piano Performance). Keep reading to learn more about Mayumi's musical journey and her teaching style!
Interested in signing up for lessons? Start by filling out a lesson inquiry.
How did you get started playing music, and what led you to your primary instrument? Can you share something memorable from your early music experiences?
I'm originally from Japan. I’ve always had a strong emotional and spiritual connection with music. From the age of two, I remember being moved to tears whenever I listened to Japanese folk songs. Music has always made me feel energized, singing and dancing along in pure joy. Music was magic that touched my heart and loved me unconditionally. I wanted to learn to make my own music so I asked my parents for music lessons when I was three. Since only piano lessons were available in our neighborhood, one could say the piano chose me!
After participating in an exchange program at a public school and having private lessons with a local piano teacher in California, I decided to pursue my study in music in the US because I enjoyed a more relaxed approach to music-making here.
Who were your primary teachers?
My primary teachers in Japan were Sakaguchi Miki and Hasegawa Jun. In New York, I studied with Ewa Mackiewicz-Wolfe, James Giles, and Michael Salmiers. In North Carolina, my teachers were Andrew Willis (piano and fortepiano) and Barbara Lister-Sink (the Lister-Sink Method, injury-preventative piano technique).
Can you sum up your teaching style in a short paragraph? What do you want students to take out of lessons?
Everyone learns differently, at a different pace, so I try to get to know the student’s personality and their learning style. I teach out of a desire to share the joy and wonder of music making. I’d like my students to learn to express themselves and communicate with others through their music. Students will also discover that learning is not always easy and fun, but the challenges they face and overcome will be a valuable lesson for their personal growth.
Can you share a memorable experience you’ve had teaching?
There are many - I love seeing my students grow musically and personally through their journey of learning and self-discovery. Every moment is memorable when I feel the human connection with my students through music.
I enjoy my studio recitals, especially the themed ones: animals, movies, Halloween, Christmas, etc. I decorate the stage and have students dress up for each theme. Both students and parents have always had a lot of fun at these themed performances!
What equipment or materials do you recommend for beginner students? Intermediate/advanced students?
Choosing an instrument is a personal choice. While an acoustic piano is preferable, an electronic keyboard is acceptable for those who can’t house a piano. Some of my students start on a keyboard and advance to a piano later. Intermediate/advanced students will benefit more from a real piano that facilitates technical development and a wider range of musical expressions.
A padded, adjustable bench is highly recommended to maintain the optimal skeletal alignment needed for comfort and efficient piano playing. Or, students must find a bench/chair that lets them sit at an appropriate height. Sitting at a wrong height will hinder their technical development and may even cause discomfort or injury.
Thanks, Mayumi!
Naomi Woods (Director of Music Education and Community Outreach, Violin Instructor) began studying the violin at the age of 9 and holds music degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She has been known to accidentally wear the same shirt on the same weekday several weeks in a row, until her students ask, "How come you only have one shirt?" Naomi lives in Greensboro, NC, with her husband Tyler.
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