[Main visual] Yukiko Koyama
Brand Stories

Yukiko Koyama

Yamaha Music School Teacher

Over the years, Yukiko Koyama has touched the lives of many people as a music teacher. Here, she talks about her relationship with music and educational activities, the importance of respecting diversity and respecting each person's individuality.

What first made you interested in music and education?

Ever since I can remember, I grew up surrounded by picture books and records of nursery rhymes that my mother collected for me. So, I grew up in an environment where I could enjoy music through daily exposure. As a teacher, I feel that my experience from those days has been useful when talking to my students about how fun it is to freely play with sound.

Since my mother and aunt were teachers, the idea of teaching someone has been part of my life since I was a kid. I think I always wanted to teach playing the piano to young kids, though I wasn't sure how. I first became interested in becoming a music teacher because it sounded like an interesting job when I heard about it at a school career fair.

I'm also curious, ambitious, optimistic, and don't worry much even when I'm feeling down. So, in addition to my love for music, I think my personality has also helped me become a music teacher. I was a clumsy kid that took a long time to get anything done, but this experience has helped me understand the feelings of kids who are struggling to be confident and work closely with them.
My father would always compliment me saying, "You're a very likeable kid." I hope that I'll always be kind to people around me, while keeping in mind the words of my father, who gave me a lot of love.

[Photo] Yukiko Koyama

Tell us the insight you gained through engaging in music and education and what you value in your career.

I think that there's so much you can get from spending time with kids. For example, I'm impressed whenever I encounter children's flexible and creative ideas and delicate sensibility. There are many moments that make you excited hidden in trivial daily events. I sometimes get musical inspiration from such small but impressive events.

Ever since the early days of my career, it's always been my approach to "show with sound." For example, no matter how much you say, "Put more heart into it," there certainly are aspects that just can't be expressed with words. Rather, I play the sound to help demonstrate how to achieve this goal. In order to maintain my ability to show with sound, I've been continuously studying as a teacher to familiarize myself with a wide range of music genres.

One thing I always keep in mind in my class, above all else, is to create a comfortable environment for the kids. In a place where you feel safe, you can do your best and express yourself without feeling constrained. I call my students by their names and praise them a lot for their strengths in front of other students. When doing so, I don't compare them with others. Rather, I make sure I tell them how much progress they've made compared to before.

For example, when choosing songs for recitals, I've been making sure that I first ask for their thoughts and give them options. We tend to choose energetic pieces for boys and romantic ones for girls, but I don't think it's up to adults to decide. I hope that I can create an environment where every student has a strong presence and can be confident.
I've been teaching a countless number of students, but I keep a record of each student in a safe place. Even when I see a picture of a student I taught 30 years ago, I quickly identify them. No matter how many years have passed, the time I spent connecting with my students through music is a precious memory for me.

[Photo] Yukiko Koyama

Junior Special Advanced Course lessons, 2004

What are your thoughts on respecting diversity?

Music is something anyone can enjoy, regardless of age and gender. I personally would like to cherish the relationship with each individual I've met through music, without being overly conscious of gender, age, etc.

I'd like to tell you a story about how music brought many smiles to the lives of a mother and her son. A long time ago, I taught a boy who was in elementary school. His mother was deaf. I was strongly moved by her desire to familiarize her son with the joy of music because she was deaf herself. She'd sit in the corner of the classroom with a smile and sometimes with tears in her eyes while seeing her son play the piano. I heard that every time the boy played a piece, he'd describe it to his mother. I'm sure that there must have been some music playing in her mind. She said, "Since my son started music lessons, he's been smiling more, and seeing that makes me happy, too." I realized once again that music has the power to encourage people and make them happy. Her words struck me to the core, something I'll never forget.

[Photo] Yukiko Koyama

What changes do you think need to be made in the music industry to empower women?

In order for more people to enjoy music, I think we need to come up with measures for both performers and audiences to share the fun and excitement. For example, I think it would help to provide places for practice, opportunities for recitals and established financial support systems. It would also be desirable to provide a wide range of opportunities for everyone to casually enjoy music. If such initiatives become more common, it can lay a foundation to develop the next generation of leaders in the music industry.
You never know where you'll find an opportunity to succeed. If you pay attention to a wide range of things, I'm sure you'll be able to find something you can do yourself.

Give us your message for the next generation.

Many things will happen in life. But I recommend doing your best for what you can do now, even if it's a small thing. Set a goal and get closer to it, one step at a time. If you can take action, you'll be able to expand your world and meet wonderful friends. Don't think you can't do it. I hope you'll live each day full of life with dreams.

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