Sachiko Kato, piano M.M., The Juilliard School B.M., California State University Northridge "I have all sorts of students, each with a distinct personality and temperament. Some are very serious and some are really funny. I enjoy the interaction with each one of them." Past concerts with interview With Love from Russia Sachiko Kato began studying piano at age 4 in Osaka, Japan after her parents enrolled her in a kindergarten that specialized in music. At age 14 her family relocated to Los Angeles, California and eventually she moved to New York after receiving a scholarship to The Juilliard School. A teacher at Bloomingdale for over five years, Sachiko works with her students to attain self-discipline and self-discovery through music. “Simply put, basics, basics, basics! Then, after notes, rhythm and harmony are covered, I work with students on expression.” Sachiko teaches students of all ages and ability levels. “I have all sorts of students, each with a distinct personality and temperament. Some are very serious and some are really funny. I enjoy the interaction with each one of them.” Sachiko is open to teaching children younger than six but prefers if they are capable of some reading. “With younger students I focus on lots of singing and clapping rhythm and taking time to let knowledge sink in.” She helps her adult students to enhance their musical knowledge and understanding. “For adult students, patience is of the utmost necessity for both student and teacher. Adult students usually have great intellectual ability and also appreciation for music.” As a performer, Sachiko believes musicians have a responsibility to educate the public by programming pieces that are not so well known, including contemporary music. “But personally speaking, I have always had a soft spot for Brahms’ music.” One of Sachiko’s favorite activities in her free time is walking her Jack Russell terrier, Spunky. “Often I run into my Bloomingdale students and colleagues as I walk him on the streets of the Upper West Side!”