I wish you ahappy new year!

I hope the year 2010 will bring lots of chances for piano teachers.

I am interested in "child care allowance", one of the policies of Japanese Government which will be launched from 2010. Certain amount of allowance will be provided for those under 15 and it could favourably affect each family budget. The world of piano education is always independent without any subsidies, but I hope this allowance increases the opportunity for children to start piano as lifelong learning. 

And we are all aware that this year is the 200th anniversary of Chopin. People in Japan and around the world will pay special attention to this composer.

I have been writing a weekly column for several years. Among the 51 topics that I wrote last year, 16 referred to new projects which I've never imagined at the beginning of last year. 

Then, what comes next?
There will be a number of new waves coming ahead; PTNA public recording concert, serial seminars for comprehensive music study, STEP audition by popular music, etc. Those projects are based on ideas from piano teachers.

It is important to make lon-ranged plans or prospects, but improvements and evolution would also be possible from the awareness of daily small things, which piled up gradually to be a big momentum.

I am always willing to share visions and ideas with people in this world of piano and music education. I truly hope this year will see development and prosperity.