Group photo after the 2024 Spring Studio Recital at the Whitmore Recital Hall in the School of Music, University of Missouri in Columbia
TSURUTA PIANO STUDIO
MUSIC IS FUN!
Years ago one of my students created a collection of beautiful drawings, which I framed to inspire myself when I teach, also hoping all the students who come by my studio feel the same - especially after days of hard work.
I love everything about what music enhances and offers in life, and I share that joy with my students in private lessons and in piano ensembles and theory classes for all young musicians.
I am grateful that my upbringing with Suzuki Method in Japan, and subsequent years of professional experiences gained from studies at Juilliard (BM) and Yale (MM, AD) enable me to teach comfortably at all levels in my private studio.
Students choose how much to demand of themselves, but typically they participate in MTNA/ MMTA, NFMC and the Piano Guild (American College of Musicians) events in addition to required semi-annual studio recital. In Spring 2020, I have also begun participating in Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) auditions. My studio has produced MTNA and MMTA State Winners and winners of then MYO/MMAMTA Pre-collegiate Concerto Competitions, and continues to be active in Piano Showcase at the Missouri Theatre, presented by the Missouri Symphony.
Ideally a student commits to practicing everyday the minimum length of weekly lessons. Please note that sometimes there is a waiting list for my studio, and e-mail is the main source of communication. To request more information and/or a free 30-min. consultation (upon availability*), please fill out the contact form. * My studio is full. Please inquire in May 2026 for an opening.
Years ago one of my students created a collection of beautiful drawings, which I framed to inspire myself when I teach, also hoping all the students who come by my studio feel the same - especially after days of hard work.
I love everything about what music enhances and offers in life, and I share that joy with my students in private lessons and in piano ensembles and theory classes for all young musicians.
I am grateful that my upbringing with Suzuki Method in Japan, and subsequent years of professional experiences gained from studies at Juilliard (BM) and Yale (MM, AD) enable me to teach comfortably at all levels in my private studio.
Students choose how much to demand of themselves, but typically they participate in MTNA/ MMTA, NFMC and the Piano Guild (American College of Musicians) events in addition to required semi-annual studio recital. In Spring 2020, I have also begun participating in Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) auditions. My studio has produced MTNA and MMTA State Winners and winners of then MYO/MMAMTA Pre-collegiate Concerto Competitions, and continues to be active in Piano Showcase at the Missouri Theatre, presented by the Missouri Symphony.
Ideally a student commits to practicing everyday the minimum length of weekly lessons. Please note that sometimes there is a waiting list for my studio, and e-mail is the main source of communication. To request more information and/or a free 30-min. consultation (upon availability*), please fill out the contact form. * My studio is full. Please inquire in May 2026 for an opening.
“Learning is the beginning of wealth. Learning is the beginning of health. Learning is the beginning of spirituality. Searching and learning is where the miracle process all begins.”
― Jim Rohn
― Jim Rohn
The 22nd Piano Showcase presented by the Missouri Symphony on October 29, 2023 at the Missouri Theatre. 26 Students were selected from the audition earlier in the month.
The 21st Piano Showcase presented by the Missouri Symphony League on October 30, 2022 at the historic Missouri Theatre. 29 Students were selected from the audition process earlier in the month.
Odyssey Chamber Music Series "Kids@Heart: Carnival of the Animals & Friends," May 28, 2022. Piano ensembles from the community and Columbia Music School were featured, along with local teachers and university professors. The event was preceded by Instrumental Petting Zoo, made possible by MU coordinators Joanna Griffiths and Kayla Modlin, and supported by the Paul D. Higday Mozart Trust, MMAMTA, and the MU School of Music.
Odyssey Chamber Music Series "Kids@Heart", Global Express, January 18, 2020 (postponed from January 11 due to snow). Piano ensembles from the Columbia Music School were featured, along with community students and Wontanara of Columbia, bringing the joy of African Dance and Music to Odyssey. The event was followed by an elaborate Instrumental Petting Zoo, made possible by Kassandra Ormsby, and with support by the Paul D. Higday Mozart Trust, the MMAMTA, and the MU School of Music.
Odyssey Chamber Music Series "Kids@Heart" Carnival of the Animals & Friends, rescheduled from snowy January to May 25, 2019. Everyone successfully performed with a chamber ensemble to deliver their impressions on Saint-Saens' animals.
Odyssey Chamber Music Series "Kids@Heart" Tales Around the World, January 13, 2018. We had an array of ensembles which composers matched his/her country's folk tales.