Ten Piano Concerts

Japan

Every two years, teachers and students travel to Matsumoto from the United States and Canada and spend 2 ½ weeks there.  Teachers are allowed one student per trip.

The Japanese host families put in extra effort to make this event happen. With the spirit of international friendships, they take care of the students for room and board, transportation, and practice. They take on their responsibilities as host families, in spite of language problems. Their children and the American students certainly learn the spirit of friendship due to the devoted actions of these adults.

As the days get closer to the concert, the rehearsal schedule becomes more intense. Instead of every other day, rehearsals are scheduled every day. Everybody works together so hard.  The 10-Piano Concert gives us a valuable experience for not only the performance itself but also an opportunity for people working together with "heart to heart" cooperation. This world would be a better place if everyone understood their responsibility with their heart and acted accordingly as we see happen in the 10 Piano Concert rehearsals and performance.

It is so moving to witness wonderful performances of children at the 10-Piano. These children understand their share of the responsibility and they follow through. The performer's technique improves tremendously from the Twinkle students to the advanced students. However, one thing never changes. Children are not desirous of choosing the right things. Unless someone shows them the right choice intentionally, children won't do it by themselves. Advanced students tend not to get serious with their practice until right before the concert. They know they will be able to play the pieces well when they choose to get serious two or three days before the concert.  They improve tremendously. Children are wonderful and amazing.

Many of the people in the audience report how they can't stop their tears as they listen to the performance. We can’t help but think how the world will flourish because of these young people who understand art through this amazing experience.

Sacramento

On the opposite years of the ten piano concert in Matsumoto, teachers and students travel to Sacramento, California.  The Japanese teachers bring some of their students to California .  This gives more American students an opportunity to experience the 10 Piano Concert experience.