Yuki Ishibashi

What do you teach at the Prep Center?

Violin, String Beans, and Advanced String Orchestra.

How old were you when you started music lessons?

Four years old.

Did you always like to practice when you were a child?

Nope! Negotiations were had between myself and my parents.

How did you make sure you practiced enough to be prepared for your lessons?

Dedicated parents. I also practiced more for orchestra pieces.

Do you have a favorite musical memory from childhood?

Playing the Bach Double with my older brother for the orchestra we were both in — that was fun!

How do you vary your approach when you teach children at different ages and levels?

When they're younger, I try to focus on having more fun and building skills without their knowing it. When they're older, I point out the less fun things (like scales) and how it helps them tackle more difficult pieces they're interested in. There’s more responsibility on them.

What are your most important goals for your students?

Be able to read music well and comfortably; learn how to practice smartly and effectively; learn to play together and enjoy ensemble and music; and develop friends who are musicians as well!

What are the most important recommendations that you give to parents whose children study music?

Early on, guidance may be good. When kids are older, one should check in with them and see how they're doing. Learning an instrument takes years of practice (and builds that sort of slow but ultimately rewarding behavior), so patience is key!