Q&A with Nancy Masaki
At this year’s Hawaiʻi State Music Competition Honors Ceremony, HMTA awarded the 2019 Teacher of the Year Award to Nancy Masaki for her contributions to our community and to the art of music teaching in Hawaiʻi.
HMTA sat down with Nancy for a brief Q&A after her award.
What was your favorite thing about growing up in your neighborhood?
I was a real tomboy growing up. I lived in Palolo for awhile, and remember sitting on our mailbox talking to my friends when my mom called me. Wearing a long muumuu, I jumped off the mailbox only to have my muumuu catch and I landed on my head. It’s hard to believe the things I did as a child. When living in Moiliili, instead of using the stairs, I climbed up the trellis to our apartment on the 2nd floor. I was a free spirit and, with my mom always gone teaching piano and my dad busy working for Philip Morris, I was often unattended. My mom would leave me a list of things to practice on the piano everyday after school. I came home, checked everything off and ran outside to play.
If you were stranded on a desert island (with an iPod that was always miraculously charged, what 5 albums would help you pass the time?
Definitely the Bach Suites, the latest by Yoyo Ma. I loved Barbra Streisand growing up and used to listen to her records all the time. Maybe George Szell with the Cleveland Orchestra’s recording of the Beethoven Symphonies. Definitely some Beatles! I also liked the folk singer, Maria Muldaur, and her hit “Midnight at the Oasis”. And Simon and Garfunkel.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure eating spot in Hawaii?
I’m not much of a fan of sweets but I do enjoy a good steak a couple times a year. Probably Hy’s Steakhouse.
What is your vision for Hawaii’s music and arts scene over the next 10 years?
I can only hope the Hawaii Symphony, HOT, CMH, HCM, HCMF can survive. Parents want the discipline of music in their children’s daily routine but few will take the time to bring their children to concerts, unless it’s something entertaining like Harry Potter. Classical music has to find a way to captivate our young listeners. I think more youth oriented programs on weekends might help. These concerts should be both entertaining and educational so our young audience will keep coming back. This is a challenge because kids these days have so much distraction on their iPhones.
What is one of the most important pieces of advice that you were given as a musician or teacher?
Never give up; it’ll get easier. Well, I don’t buy that entirely. As a musician, we challenge ourselves every time we sit down to practice or play our instrument. Some things get easier but, turn the page, and the challenges abound. Being a musician, whether a performer or a teacher, means challenging yourself constantly. If it were too easy, music could become boring. Although, I wouldn’t mind if it were easier.
You’re awarded an unlimited amount of dollars to plan your dream vacation. Where would you go and why?
With good food, good music, good wine, I could be happy anywhere. Playing chamber music at home with friends is pure joy. I don’t have to go far.
What is one important piece of knowledge that you would like young musicians to know or think about?
Music is a window to so many different cultures, experiences and emotions. Delve beyond the notes and enrich your life and palate as you explore life in all its wonderful flavors.