Performing With Grace

Kaho Suda ’19, Tokyo
Major: Piano Performance (Bachelor of Music)

Why did you decide to study at Concordia College?

It was entirely my own decision. I first wanted to study abroad because I knew I wanted to study piano performance. This was decided toward the end of high school and I initially looked into Japanese schools that had piano programs. But the system works differently there; you basically go into music education or attend music conservatories. There’s no in-between, no piano music major. You just have to go to a conservatory. The problem is that I wanted to be able to study other academic subjects too. So because I had a background in English, I decided to travel to the United States to study.

How did you feel coming to the United States?

I thought I was ready. I went to an international school for elementary school, which allowed for me to learn English. I did my own studying for English too because I had to take an English proficiency test so I could study abroad. Once I arrived, I experienced some culture shock, along with homesickness.

Why study piano performance at Concordia?

There were many instances that pointed me here. Concordia has a very good music program but also is a liberal arts college too. I wanted to study other academic subjects, which was encouraged here. When I applied, the person who worked with me here at Concordia was very nice. A very good scholarship was offered to me, along with a music scholarship, so then I thought, “Maybe I should go here!” Upon arrival, I told myself that if things didn’t work out I could transfer, but I ended up loving it here. It’s the small things that make a big difference.

What sets Concordia’s music department apart?

A very solid community exists that is positive. Everyone knows each other. It’s not all about competition; it’s more about supporting other people. At some competitive schools, there's tension among others in the same studio; whereas here, we are a lot more supportive. Professors here are also so understanding about your personal life because we are all human.

What is one of the most important things you have learned in your music classes?

How to become an actual musician. Being a music major is tough. There are a number of people who start off as music majors and then switch after their freshmen/sophomore year because they can’t pass the basic music theory or aural skills classes. I think that building the skill of being persistent and maintaining it throughout our four years here is worth it. Patience and persistence matter.

Have you had any mentors or special professors in your time here?

Dr. Doug Harbin taught me music theory, among other classes like orchestration and aural skills. It was in his class when I discovered that I really liked music theory and I am now considering going to grad school to learn more about music theory. Another mentor is Dr. Kevin Sütterlin. He’s a foreigner like me and has gone through what I have gone through, especially during my senior year which is full of uncertainty. He has given me great advice and is super understanding about all of my experiences. Dr. Peggy Johnson is basically my college mom and I frequently go to her with all of my life problems.

What activities have you been involved with?

I’ve been primarily involved with The Concordia Orchestra and the Symphonia orchestra. I also have been in the Echo Band for three years, playing the clarinet as my second instrument. I’m involved in chamber music, which I’ve been really enjoying lately. On top of that, I tutor music and am a TA in music theory.

What advice would you give an international prospective student?

I would say don’t assume things and try to see the positive sides of things. Also, try to take initiative. I’ve learned to ask questions right away if I wanted an answer. It’s not worth your time to worry about whether or not something is socially acceptable. You just have to go for it. That’s how you learn. Take all of the opportunities.

What’s the hardest thing about being a music performance major?

Trying to balance the work among practice, schoolwork and extracurricular activities is the hardest part. I would say it’s difficult to keep up with practices when I have a large load of homework. And then on top of practicing and schoolwork, I have to show up to work as a TA too. Grading homework takes up time, so I have to really manage my time well. Always have a planner!

What are your plans for after graduation?

I am applying to graduate schools. I really want to stay here because I love the environment. This is my passion! At the same time, it’s very uncertain at the moment because I haven’t heard back from grad schools yet. My goal is to get my master’s and maybe teach at the college level at some point. I’d also love to continue playing chamber music. I think of music more like something that I give. It’s a service. I don’t want to necessarily make it about the monetary purposes. I want to play at a nursing home, an orphanage, hospice or a hospital.

What other interests do you have?

I really like reading and writing in Japanese. I took a class in creative writing that reminded me of my creative writing club back in Japan. I did a lot then. But right now, I enjoy mystery novels.

^{Published March 2019}