Katie Rushing Posted May 17, 2021 Share Posted May 17, 2021 Hi PWJ Members! This month's spotlight goes to.......... Masako Cross! @Masako C Please join me in congratulating her! Where are you from? I'm was born in Tokyo, Japan. Currently living in Saitama prefecture, next prefecture to Tokyo. When did you start playing piano? Probably around age 10. My best friend had a nice piano and was taking classical piano lessons. I learned how to play For Elise and other tunes by ear. What got you interested in learning music? I've always wanted to be able to self accompany and freely sing by myself without instrument players. Also I've been eager to obtain musical knowledge for a long time. My parents love singing Japanese folk songs, and I grew up sing songs since I was a little kid. My uncle was the Master of Minyo, which is a traditional Japanese singing style. Along the way, I've always enjoyed the music. I started to make songs when I was 9, started guitar that my brother abandoned when I was junior high and started a band in high school. After that, I was hooked on Jazz, R&B, & Gospel music. BUT, I couldn't read scores and notes for a long time, and I've had a complex that I don't know the theory. Learning music and establish knowledge has been my lifetime goal. What is your favorite style of piano music? So many favorite styles! Jazz, R&B, Pop, Gospel, ambient, healing music style. I've been trying to create original music that doesn't belong any genre. Do you have any favorite pieces to play? I haven't mastered it yet, but Amazing Grace - Jonny's course. What has most helped you most in improving as a pianist? I've established some confidence to perform in front of camera. (not entirely, though.(^_^;)) Thanks to PWJ's posting video system. And no need to mention Jonny's lesson! Do you have any tips for other PWJ members? I'm not skilled to give advice but if I may, try very short practice sessions several times a day. I put a toy piano in front of the TV in the living room and every morning I watch Jonny's lessons for 3-5min. During the day, whenever I go to the piano room, play for a few mins. And finally, I practice at night a little bit when I have time. Since I'm usually busy and don't have a long time to practice, this divided time practice seems to work for me. Just watched the latest neuro-science research result saying that it's good to practice several times in a day even each time is very short. Also post the video! That helped me improve my skills with kind PWJ members encouragement. What is your favorite part of the PWJ Membership? PWJ team, community and wonderful members! Needless to say, Jonny's lesson and being able to see his passion and unlimited givingness and sharing personality. What are your future music goals? Be able to play any score in one glance and be able to sing any genre of songs. Do you have any words you try to live by or a favorite quote? "Happiness does not lie in happiness, but in the achievement of it." -Fyodor Dostoyevsky 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eiress L Posted May 19, 2021 Share Posted May 19, 2021 Masako Cross Congratulations! I have been listening to your posts for awhile. You sing from the heart. You are building a good, strong, piano skills to accompany yourself and others. I love listening to you and your daughter too! Hooray, well deserved! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susana R Posted June 1, 2021 Share Posted June 1, 2021 You're an amazing person Masako, so sensitive. Love your original compositions and enjoy your extraordinary vocals. This distinction is well deserved. Congrats!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank S Posted June 1, 2021 Share Posted June 1, 2021 Congratulations, Masako! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ido B Posted June 2, 2021 Share Posted June 2, 2021 Congrats, Masako! Well deserved spotlight! I enjoyed reading your answers and I always love watching your videos. You sing and play with such emotion! Can't wait to see what else you post in the future! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Svitlana R Posted June 2, 2021 Share Posted June 2, 2021 Congratulations, Masako! So well deserved spotlight. I love your posts and your song 'Hope' is a masterpiece! Thank you so much for sharing your talents and passion for music with us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin S Posted June 5, 2021 Share Posted June 5, 2021 Thank you for sharing your piano journey!❤️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura U Posted June 8, 2021 Share Posted June 8, 2021 Congrats, Masako! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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