Yuma
Yuma (Diploma of Music Performance, Diploma of Teaching) is a highly accomplished pianist with several years of performing and teaching experience. He is currently working towards obtaining the prestigious Trinity College London Licentiate (LTCL) in piano performance.
Why have you chosen to pursue a career in music education?
Music is my absolute passion, and has given me a life-lasting expression. Playing a song and really getting your soul into it is a truly amazing experience. Whether it is travelling to the sand dunes with Tchaikovsky’s Arabesques, or walking downtown in 1920s New York with one of Gershwin’s Rhapsodies, music can take you anywhere. I am a compassionate and caring person. In my family, I always loved looking after my little sister (even when she was a screaming terror!), so patience is definitely a core quality of mine. What I love about teaching is giving people the ability to make music. I think the best gift for anybody is the ability to express themselves with music. When I see a student enjoying playing music, I think to myself, ”another person in the world who has found their passion for music.”

What do you love most about your role at Sono?
I love my role as a piano teacher, and being a team player I am so pleased to be part of the awesome group of people at Sono. Good music is what I strive for. Creating good music takes patience and hard work, however my methodology involves fostering the student’s passion, not constraining it. I purely want what the student wants, whether that is playing for music examinations, leisure or playing piano in a band! As mentioned before, good music takes patience and hard work. What I strive for is making the process of practice a pleasurable experience. Unfortunately in life, you have to endure the hard to get to the easy. I aim to make this process meaningful, and most importantly, fun!
Do you play any additional instruments?
During high school, I played the cornet at my local brass band and the french horn in the school orchestra. Playing brass was a great experience!
Do you perform regularly?
I enjoy busking with my portable piano around the CBD, so you might see me around!
Who are your main musical influences?
My main influences are my classical roots. My favourite composers are Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms (the three B’s!). My favourite modern time composer is the music of Joe Hisaishi.