Summer Piano Student's Recital 2025: Music Around The World
Ideareve Ikegami Hall- Kate Henry Music Piano students performed during the Summer Piano Recital with the theme "Music Around The World" held last June 7th, Saturday.
Our summer piano recital brought together 11 of my piano students from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to share not only their musical talents but also their unique cultures. This event highlighted the beauty of music as a universal language, bridging differences and fostering community. We are a community of 8 nationalities- USA, Philippines, Spain, Hong Kong, Japan, France, Russia, and Jamaica! Each student presented pieces that reflected their cultural heritage, offering the audience a rich tapestry of sounds and stories.
Building a Strong Community Through Music
Recitals like these play a crucial role in building a sense of community among students and their families. They provide a platform for young musicians to gain confidence, celebrate their backgrounds, and inspire one another. During the lunch reception, the parents brought their national food or cuisines that are unique in their country! It was such a beautiful gathering and celebration of our diverse cultures, music, stories, and roots.
The Recitalists
Poster and Programme Notes
Through these performances, our piano students enhance their technical abilities and gain confidence and experience in recitals. Each student performed two songs, one about their chosen song and the other about their culture and country
Students in Action
Reflections as a Piano Teacher
The idea of this summer recital didn't come from me.
I had an intense and nice conversation with one of the parents of my students, and the idea of coming together for a piano recital celebrating our diverse cultures was born from our very random conversation.
We are a community of eight nationalities, along with the Schroeter family from Jamaica, who have graciously contributed to designing our recital stages for four consecutive events. Our piano community is growing not only through talent but also with deeper connections and friendships forming throughout the years.
I learned a lot from my students as they taught me about their songs, language, culture, and history. I would never have known a popular song from Hong Kong, whose melody and meaning are very beautifully written. I would never have known such a catchy song from France, and I even wanted to learn the song too. My Spanish students and I tried to compare similar words of my country and theirs as we learned children's songs in Spanish.
My students have grown musically for the past three years under my tutelage, and I assure you, I have grown so much musically and professionally, too. I can't wait to see their progress in ten years, and there is only one goal that I can see- I hope they will continue being kind-hearted beings. I don't mind them becoming so much better than me; in fact, I will be one of their cheerleaders in whatever ventures they want to take in life, be it in music or not.
Thank You to Our Amazing Parents
We would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the parents who played a pivotal role in making our recital a resounding success. Your immense support and involvement have truly been commendable.
From bringing delicious home country food to helping find the perfect national costumes for the children, your enthusiasm and dedication did not go unnoticed. It was your contributions that added a special touch to our event, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere that everyone enjoyed.
Thank you so much, dear parents, for your unwavering commitment and for being an integral part of this wonderful experience. We appreciate your efforts and look forward to sharing many more memorable moments together.
Building Community Through Music
The growth of our piano community is marked by more than just skill; it symbolizes the friendships and shared experiences that enhance our musical journey together. As we gathered for this special event, we celebrated not only our achievements but also the connections that strengthen us as a piano community.
May this recital serve as a testament to the power of music in bridging cultures and forming lasting bonds. See you at the next one!
