Asuka Fu

Piano

In the early years of my piano education, I remember thoroughly enjoying taking lessons and performing.  However, I gradually started to get frustrated with the instrument.  My teachers and parents kept expecting more from me, but I had bad practice habits and wasn’t learning fast enough to keep up. 

Despite my self doubts, I entered into an annual Bach Competition which I was not prepared for.  I listened to the other pianists perform, some older and some younger than me, who had better technical facility than I did.  I wasn't chosen as a finalist and was extremely disappointed.  I slowly began to doubt my talents and little by little was losing motivation to practice. 

It was at this point that one of my current mentors, Akiko Hasunuma, director of the Bach Competition, a reputable piano teacher and whom we had met after the competition, phoned my parents. She told my parents during their phone conversation how she saw so much potential and that someone with my talent should have performed better. 

Ms. Hasunuma wanted to take me on as a student and make me a real pianist.  I was flattered, but also a little hesitant since she had a reputation of being “tough” and extremely blunt with her students.  I realized though, what an honor it was to have Ms. Hasunuma actually believe in me.

After some soul-searching, I realized I wanted to be a better performer even if that meant getting a harsh reality check from Ms. Hasunuma. It was then my parents and I had decided that I would join Ms. Hasunuma’s piano studio.

Ms. Hasunuma was probably one of the strictest teachers I had ever studied under...she spanked me every time I hit a wrong note! However, she enabled me to achieve my goals and to this day I thank her for that.  I have since entered numerous competitions and have received several 1^st places