Instrumental Growth

Three young Members share how the Club’s music recitals help them develop and showcase their talents.

The Club held the first in its annual series of concerts for music students on May 25, 2014.

Those gathered in the Washington and Lincoln rooms that day were treated to a rendition of the children’s song “Little Indian Brave,” performed by 4-year-old Kyra Chavali.

Fast forward to last November, and her selection demonstrated just how much young Members grow through the Club’s music program. Now 15, Kyra played “Asturias (Leyenda)” by Spanish composer Isaac Albéniz, part of his Suite Española, Op. 47. With rapid, rhythmically driving arpeggios and contrasting quieter, reflective moments, the music evokes the energy and spirit of flamenco.

“I chose this because I wanted to learn a piece that had a clear contrast of fast and slow tempos,” Kyra explains. “I’m trying to find pieces that increase in complexity from the ones I’ve played before and help me grow as a pianist.”

Kyra says her teacher, Mana Totsuka, helped her get all the precise technical details right during lessons. “Then I’d practice at home as much as I could, memorizing the piece along the way. I had to learn to play both hands simultaneously from the beginning, as they work very closely with each other. Once all the notes were memorized, we worked on increasing the tempo. I had to practice almost every day as the recital got closer.”

Another young pianist is 9-year-old Allegra Sutton. The Member began playing in fall 2023 after being encouraged by a friend. She has already performed in two Club recitals.

Most recently, she drew inspiration from a favorite book and film series and performed “Hedwig’s Theme” from Harry Potter.

While it took a lot of preparation, Allegra welcomed the process. “I practice every day, even on weekends. It’s part of my homework.”

Her teacher, Rieko Okita, sets the foundation during lessons at the Club.

“Okita-sensei helps me go over the notes, but in the beginning, I couldn’t read music. We wrote the letter at the bottom of each note so I would know what it was. Now I’m comfortable reading music.”

Image of the Club’s fall 2024 recital held on November 17: Noriyuki Yamamura

In addition to reading music, Okita helps students learn to balance the cognitive, affective and psychomotor elements of musical performance through the Pace Method, which emphasizes a holistic approach to music education by integrating theory, creativity, technique and ensemble playing. “As we perform, we think in motion and are involved in a process of deep concentration,” she explains. “I think music education has never been limited to mastering performance. Music is the core of life, the core of all subjects. It helps students build communication skills, creativity and independence.”

Allegra says she has felt that growth. “When Okita-sensei told me to start using two hands, I would first start playing the same thing with both, because it’s hard to do different things with each hand. But as I got used to it, it became easier for me. Through music, I’ve learned that if I try something new, I can keep practicing and I’ll get better at it.”

Nine-year-old Huto Hirayama brought his guitar and some good old ’80s vocals to the fall recital with his rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” inspired by his dad, a fan of the band Journey. It was Huto’s third Club recital. Each time he has delivered renditions of popular rock and folk songs, including “Orange” by Japanese band Spyair and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads.”

“My dad showed me lots of music videos and I thought guitar was cool, so I started playing it,” Huto explains.

Having started four years ago, he now plays every day, with lessons once a week at the Club. Instructor Yuma Nozaki helps Huto with things he says can be difficult, like finger technique. “He is very good at explaining things in a simple, easy-to-understand way that helps me.”

All the practice is worth it to be able to play his favorite songs on guitar. “I have fun when I play music, and it makes my dad and family happy,” Huto says. “My dad loves country music, so if I play country music, he feels so happy.”

With the recital format now expanded to spring and fall events, all three musicians have advice for fellow Members aspiring to perform. Allegra believes it’s important to choose the right instrument, and to pick a song you like so that you enjoy practicing. Huto says to remain calm and to play to the audience. And Kyra urges patience.

“It’s going to take time and a lot of practice to get better,” she notes. “You have to be patient, believe in yourself and keep practicing. It’s not a good idea to take a long break from playing. Try not to miss the chance to perform at recitals—that’s the only way to get rid of the nerves. It’s okay to make mistakes. Recovering from mistakes quickly is a big part of piano playing.”