Students come to my teaching at different ages, levels, and stages of their musical lives. These reflections speak to the development of musical understanding, thoughtful practice, technical freedom, confidence, and a lasting relationship with music.
“My daughter has been in very capable hands ever since she started learning with Sachiko.
Sachiko is big on ‘details.’ As far as she is concerned, playing the piano transcends the act itself. It requires absolute commitment, self-awareness, immersion into the music itself, and ultimately, a complete harmony between the player and the piano.
My daughter started to learn how to sing the notes out loud, how to close her eyes and feel the music, and how not to rush her fingers.
She is no longer content with ‘sounding about right.’ She has to get it ‘just right’ and, very importantly, she knows how to get there. And that goes a long way toward making the time she spends on the piano much more productive.”
— N.D., parent of a 12-year-old student, New York City
“I am a believer in Sachiko’s method. It’s worked wonders for my son and he is a good test case because I don’t think he would be a naturally focused musician on his own at his age.”
— G.M., father of a 12-year-old student, New York
“I’m an adult student and a late starter, and I’ve benefitted from my study with Sachiko. I’ve learned to be more attentive to the basics that apply to every pianist’s study, no matter their age or level: feeling the beat, slow practice, careful reading of the score, the importance of proper hand motions, and clean articulation. She taught me to accept that there are no shortcuts.
After years of false starts and repeatedly abandoning my study, the path forward is finally coming into focus for me after studying with her. I’m happy to recommend Sachiko to any student of any age who wants a lasting foundation to build their practice on.”
— G.G., adult student, New York City
“We believe having a master level teacher is critical especially at the beginning. Her high standards have brought nothing but the best out of our child—and she has magically added to our child’s interest in music and inspired him to develop and find his own style.”
— T.C., father of a 10-year-old student, Hong Kong (remote lessons)
“Sachiko is very solid and strict yet personable. And I believe that they are indispensable qualities for a piano teacher.
You will learn the basics of music and piano playing with her, and this will stay with you for the rest of your life. Thus, music experiences not limited to piano music will enrich your life.
I wish I had a teacher like her when I started the piano 60 years ago. My granddaughter is very lucky that she could begin her piano life with a teacher like Sachiko.”
— T.L., grandparent of a young student and former student, Seattle
“We are extremely pleased that we were able to find Ms. Sachiko Kato as our child’s first piano teacher, after interviewing and trying many others in our city.
Even though the lessons are remote, Ms. Kato engages our child so well. She is able to guide our child in developing solid fundamentals, technique, and attitude while making the lessons very enjoyable and personable.
Our child has been enjoying learning from her tremendously. We highly recommend Ms. Sachiko Kato.”
— C.C., parent of a young student, Hong Kong
“My daughter breaking through to the ‘other side’ of piano playing would not have been possible without your push and patience.
We’re happy that she has persevered to enjoy playing the piano and to learn a lesson about how many worthwhile things in life require effort and working through one’s frustration.”
— D.L., parent of an 11-year-old student, New York City