Pattera Sutanthavibul

Yamaha Music Academy Manager. Responsible for arranging educational support activities with Yamaha Music Foundation Japan and international institutions such as Yamaha International Highlight Concert and Junior Original Concert. Certified Yamaha Grade Examiner

Learning Music as a Lifelong Passion

A Conversation with Pattera Sutanthavibul

We sat down with Pattera Sutanthavibul to discuss her career so far and thoughts around music and education.

Some background on her music journey

Pattera inherited a passion for music from her grandparents, and from a young age she has always been very musically enthusiastic. “I was playing my first keyboard at home, using my cousin’s piano book. I saw a composer’s name on the book, and I said I wanted to have my name on the book too.” Her parents thought it was a good idea to prepare her future career early, and as being a piano teacher was one of them, she started taking piano lessons since 3 and a half years old.

Pattera usually composes music from her experience and her travels. She indicates that apart from her mother, other women who have influences on her musical journey are her teachers. “My teachers, my parents and the people I love are my inspiration. My teachers are my role models and I would like to become a good role model for my students as well.”

Her thoughts on music and education

In order for music lessons to be effective, she believes that first, the teacher must build a good relationship with their students. Once the students are comfortable with the teacher, they would be open to learning anything, and likewise, the teacher must also believe in the students as well. “I am more than happy to see music as a part of my student’s lives. Although some of them didn’t continue their future careers in music, I believe that music shaped them to be who they are today.” In her view, other than enjoyment, music helps connect people, create discipline and subtly teach learners important life skills that would be useful in their lives.

With western music history, one cannot deny the prominent presence of male composers dominating the canon, which leaves a large portion of the well-known pieces a little physically demanding for female pianists. However, physical strength is not the only essential element of producing good music, the ability to convey feelings through performance is equally important.

“One of my favorite teachers said that music is shades of gray, and there is no black and white. The most important thing is to carry on your passion and love of music no matter what gender you are.”