I don’t know what other teacher in the world would have managed to teach a seven year old to learn ABRSM Grade 5 theory from scratch in half a year, but when my violin teacher demanded that I do so in order to sit higher performance grades on violin, she took on board this seemingly impossible task, and indeed I passed. I am now 17, and a couple of months ago, sent in a copy of that Grade 5 theory I learned with Yiyi aged 7, as a requirement for a university paper.

As you can see, Yiyi’s gift for teaching goes far beyond playing the piano. It was she who encouraged me to compose my own music when I was 7, and the first piece I wrote won a national competition, resulting in solo performances with both the Netherlands Blazers Ensemble and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra of that composition in 2000-seat auditoriums, when I was 9 years old. If it wasn’t for her encouragement at that young age, I might have never realized my love for composition – which I am now studying at University.

I have left High School a year early to study at the New Zealand School of Music, and have been awarded 2 scholarships (one based on a performance audition and the other for overall excellence) to help fund my studies. I am currently in my first year of a Bachelor of Music degree majoring in violin performance and composition. Although I am no longer studying piano, last year I managed to be in the winning group of the national secondary school chamber music competition final on piano, performing a work which I learnt on my own – something that Yiyi teaches students to do from a young age.

I really owe Yiyi so much; I would honestly have never achieved any of what I mentioned above without her dedication, talent, and encouragement. She dedicates her life to teaching and I really cannot imagine a better teacher for an enthusiastic young musician! I miss her so very very much now that she is on the other side of the world to me, and envy anyone who lives close enough to her to be able to learn with the most amazing teacher ever! Thank you Yiyi

What makes Yiyi unique is her philosophy of teaching: First, she understands that not all the students are the same, therefore she adjusts to each one according to the student’s needs, levels and desires. Second, Yiyi loves music. She knows music (she is an excellent pianist). And she is very enthusiastic and cheerful. These qualities make children crave to learn. And last (but not least), she involves parents to the lessons of their children, what makes us aware that learning music in the proper way, though enjoyable, it’s an intricate process, and thus the progress should always be appreciated.

Sofia started piano lessons with Yiyi in June of 2008, when she was 5 years old. The best gift Yiyi has given us was this: one morning of Fall/2008 Sofia woke up at 6:00am, instead of asking for her breakfast as usual, she went directly to the piano and started to play.

Thank you Yiyi for teaching our daughter not only how to play piano, but also how to appreciate, enjoy and love music.

Sure you are missed here in Long Island!

Zulema and Dario Stacchiola

For the more practical point of view, Yiyi is always very organized and flexible. Then, I liked it also very much that she often arranged concerts where her students could play. That’s of course very important for a pianist’s development. And these concerts was always lots of fun too. During these concerts I could see that Yiyi is very good with kids, but I want to stress that Yiyi is also an excellent choice for experienced adult students. I really learned incredibly much from her, one of the best teachers (including school+university) I ever encountered in my life.

Finally she is a a very talented pianist. For example, because I was back for business in the US, I was lucky to attend her farewell concert. There she played the full Sonatine from Ravel really really beautiful, completely by heart, and flawless.

So I can not only but recommend her. If you want to learn piano from the expert, take Yiyi!

Arianna’s Comment: Yiyi is the best piano teacher ever. I miss her very much. I hope that her new students like her stickers like I did.

Jennifer Garrett

We are indebted to Yiyi for successfully guiding Maya to perform her maiden piano recital in Carnegie Hall, New York, on February 21, 2009 at the invitation of American Protégé Organization. She was the youngest performer selected at the festival. This achievement at a tender age of six was truly memorable for all of us and the credit owes to Yiyi. Her high attention to detail, musical passion, and constant encouragement inspired Maya to strive for excellence in her musical pursuits.

Yiyi was always enthusiastic to give opportunities to her every deserving student for performing on various platforms and occasions. We have a great appreciation of how beautiful and important it was to have timely initiation and pleasant learning experience from a gifted teacher like Yiyi for Maya. We believe that Yiyi would sculpt great many talented pianists on musical horizons in years to come.

Vijay & Makiko

Words from Maya Hasegawa: Yiyi is an excellent teacher!

Lauren and family :
It is never too late to begin piano lessons. Three years ago, Katelyn was age 10 and it was time to offer paino lessons to Katelyn. Yiyi not only had the patience, but the clear communication skills a “tween” (10-13) needs. Yiyi is consistant, doesn’t waste a minute of the lesson–gets right to work, she is gentle, sweet, funny, TALENTED AND PROFESSIONAL! Piano lessons with Yiyi is one of the best things our child will ever experience, as a student!

Thank you, Lauren. I always enjoyed teaching Katelyn. She was always a conscientious student, always coming to lessons prepared, and always willing to learn. I was extremely proud of how far she had gone in just a short time of lessons. I will always remember her performance with her grand mother singing at one of our Holiday recitals; that was so warm and special. Do let me know when she gets involved again with World Vision fund raising events; I would be honored to be one of her sponsors again! Keep up with your piano playing, Katelyn! (If you want to read about Katelyn’s involvement in World Vision’s 30 Hour Femine, click here)