HISTORY

SIMC operates under the motto “learning music beyond language barriers” and offers piano lessons in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Indonesian. The school welcomes children from nearby international schools and foreigners who may not be fluent in Japanese. To date, it has attracted students from over 10 different countries. Ms. Sushiana discusses the charm and creativity of the multilingual classroom environment.

〜 Features of Sushiana International Music Class 〜

Q What is the target age range for the class?

A Our target age range is generally 5 years and older, though we occasionally receive requests from parents wishing to enroll children as young as 3. In such cases, we conduct a trial lesson to assess the child’s readiness. For instance, if a
If a 3-year-old is not comfortable separating from His/Her mother, we may recommend Yamaha group lessons, which cater to children of the same age.

As children grow, they can transition to private lessons when they are ready. I have been teaching at Yamaha for about 30 years, which allows me to be flexible in this regard. In fact, I’ve had two students who began their lessons at age 3 and are still actively learning today.

〜 International Environment and Multilingual Support 〜

Q Does the name “International” imply that English is the primary language of the company?

A Yes, that is correct. We use a room in my house as a studio, and there are several American and Chinese international schools nearby.

As a result, half of our students are foreign nationals, and we have had students from approximately 10 different countries so far.

Q When did you begin offering the classes?

A I started the classes gradually in 2009, but it wasn’t until 2012 that I fully launched the website. After that, I became a teaching member of PTNA, which led to an increase in student referrals. To make the most of my lesson time, I created a website that explains everything, including communication and payment methods.

〜 Background on Establishing a Classroom 〜

Q You have 30 years of experience at Yamaha. Did you always plan to open a classroom at home?

A I had hoped to do so eventually. I host participatory rhythmic concerts, and after my child was born, I began to consider the idea more seriously.

When I started sending my child to preschool, I received requests from mothers I met there to teach their children, which prompted me to start giving lessons at home. Initially, I had just one or two students, but over time, the number of students gradually increased.

With children, unexpected events often arise, and I realized that I needed an environment where I could adjust my time off to fit my own schedule. However, Yamaha did not have a makeup lesson system, which made it challenging for me to manage my time. Additionally, I was unable to make decisions about how to conduct lessons independently, and there were instances when the music school was not available when I needed to make adjustments. These experiences led me to realize that I wanted to operate a studio on my own terms, so I decided to start teaching lessons at home.

〜 Balance Between English and Piano 〜

Q I understand that there are international schools in the area. Are there any Japanese families interested in having their children learn piano in English?

A Yes, there are. However, some people often misunderstand that they can learn piano while also learning English. Initially, we considered that approach, but we found it challenging to communicate when students specifically requested, “All lessons are in English, please.”

Since our primary focus is piano lessons, we can accommodate those who understand English and wish to incorporate it into their lessons. On the other hand, some children who attend international schools prefer to be taught in Japanese. Regardless of the language used, our priority is effective communication with our students.

Additionally, we offer group rhythmic lessons in English at the preschool level. These lessons differ from private piano instruction, as we emphasize singing English songs, practicing simple greetings, and repeating vocabulary to help students remember.

〜 Features and Appeal Points of SIMC 〜

Q Please tell us about the features and appeal points of SIMC.

A One of the most appealing aspects of our program is the ability to switch to online lessons if a student is suddenly unable to attend or accidentally forgets their lesson. This initiative, which originated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has now become a recognized feature of our flexible lesson system. Even if attending online lessons is not feasible, we encourage students who have practiced diligently to send us a video of their performance, allowing us to provide feedback later.

We also have students who participate exclusively in online lessons, enabling them to learn from anywhere in Japan. However, we advise that in-person attendance allows us to offer more detailed and personalized instruction.

In addition to piano lessons, we offer instruction on the electone and keyboard harmonica. I am also responsible for arranging sheet music at “Tanto Tanto Music Score,” and I can create arrangements tailored to each student’s skill level based on the pieces they wish to play.

Furthermore, upon request, we can edit performance recordings from concerts and competitions, which we then post on the Sushiana-SIMC’s YouTube channel. This helps to tangibly showcase our students’ progress.

Q What is your teaching policy, and what is important to you? What do you keep in mind when you teach your students?

A First of all, I strive to identify the strengths of my students and communicate these to them in a positive manner. I emphasize that they can improve further by putting in more effort. Acknowledging a student’s efforts builds their confidence.

We also emphasize the importance of establishing a solid foundation. Even if a student claims, “I can play the piano,” they may be doing so with an unstable posture. While the piano produces sound when the keys are pressed, we focus on teaching students to express themselves musically rather than merely generating sound.

It can be challenging for young children to read music from the start, but we are mindful of gradually introducing them to it. Young children typically have a well-developed ear, allowing them to listen and imitate what they hear quickly. However, relying solely on this method might lead to frustration when they encounter more difficult pieces. Therefore, we believe children must be exposed to notes and sheet music from an early age. This helps them develop the ability to read music and practice independently in the future.

〜 About Lesson Types and Fees 〜

SIMC offers various lesson options to accommodate different schedules and preferences. Lessons typically last for 30 minutes, although we also provide the option for 45-minute lessons.

For students who prefer a consistent schedule, we offer courses consisting of three or four lessons per month at fixed times and days each week.

For those who may not be able to commit to a regular schedule, such as adults with shift work or students commuting from distant areas, we have implemented a flexible reservation system. However, we recommend that younger children follow a fixed schedule of three or four lessons per month.

〜 Future Prospects and Initiatives〜

Q What do you want to work on in the future?

A I believe that the way students learn is changing. While not all students feel this way, an increasing number want to continue playing the piano but struggle to practice at home. To address this, we have adopted a supportive approach; instead of merely assigning homework, we read music together in the classroom. This collaborative effort makes it easier for students to practice independently at home.

Additionally, for students who find it challenging to practice outside of school, we want to explore ways to practice together in the classroom so we can complete songs as a group.

As students enter the upper grades, their schoolwork becomes busier, making piano practice more difficult to manage. Since learning the piano requires patience, we aim to find strategies that promote a long-lasting and enjoyable experience for our students.

〜 Message to Those Interested in Learning Piano at SIMC 〜

Dear Prospective Pianists,

At our school, we offer piano lessons tailored to meet a variety of needs. Whether you aspire to participate in competitions or take charge of accompanying others at school, we can customize the lesson content to suit your individual goals.

Learning to play the piano promotes brain development and enhances cognitive growth. What I value most is helping students connect with music through live instruments.

In today’s world, we have access to an abundance of digital music and can easily listen to songs on platforms like YouTube. However, I believe it is essential for students to experience the joy of performing with live sound, allowing them to express themselves uniquely. We also want our students to feel a sense of accomplishment by performing at recitals and other events where they can showcase the results of their hard work.

While there are many piano classes available in Japanese, options for those who wish to learn in English, Chinese, or Indonesian can be limited. At SIMC, we aim to support individuals who may struggle with Japanese but are fluent in English or Chinese. On our website, we provide a list of music books and presentation information in various languages to assist our diverse student body.

We look forward to welcoming you to our piano lessons and helping you on your musical journey!

Best regards,
Sushiana

Here’s the article in Japanese :

スタディチェーンのインタビュー一...

4カ国語で学べるピアノ教室「Sushiana International Music Class」～横浜発、国境を超える音楽教育 「言葉の壁を超えて音楽を学ぶ」をモットーに、日本語、英語、中国語、インドネシア語でレッスンを行うピアノ教室Sushiana International Music Class (SIMC）。周辺のイン...

ピアノ教室の窓に、シンプルでスタイリッシュなデザインのノーマン製ウッドシャッターを導入しました。
これまで使用していたロールスクリーンから変更することで、より快適なレッスン環境を提供いたします。

ウッドシャッターには防音効果があり、外部の騒音を軽減して静かな環境で集中してレッスンを受けられます。
また、レッスン中の音も外に漏れにくく、音漏れ防止にも効果的です。

さらに、断熱効果により、夏は涼しく、冬は暖かく、快適な室温を保ちます。
設置後は教室内がより明るくすっきりとし、落ち着いた雰囲気の中でレッスンを楽しんでいただけることでしょう。

We have installed stylish and minimalist wooden shutters from Norman on the windows of our piano studio.
By replacing the previous roller blinds, we aim to create an enhanced learning environment.

The wooden shutters provide soundproofing benefits, reducing outside noise and allowing students to focus
in a quiet setting. Additionally, they help prevent sound from leaking out during lessons, ensuring better
privacy and noise control.

Moreover, the shutters feature thermal insulation properties, keeping the room cool in summer and
warm in winter for a comfortable indoor temperature. After installation, the studio feels brighter
and more spacious, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere for enjoyable lessons.

　  

今年ももうすぐ一ヶ月過ぎようとしています。生徒の皆さんは新しい目標を持って頑張っている姿が見受けられて、
とてもうれしく思います。
SIMCがオンラインレッスンを取り入れたのは2020年4月からです。それ以降、色んな理由で当日にオンラインレッスン
を希望する生徒も増えました。その為、今回は教室のインターネット環境を見直しました。

フレッツ光からDocomo Home 5Gに変更しました。(2024年1月)
オンラインレッスンをスムーズに進めるにはお互いのインターネット環境がとても大事なので
今回はHome 5Gに変えた時、設置に関する経験を共有します。

先ずはフレッツ光の契約は2年毎に更新と知りませんでした。途中解約すると8800円かかります。
うちはちょうど今月末なので切り替える事にしました。

---

　　
Home 5Gの魅力は コンセントに挿すだけ！データ量無制限！５G高速通信速度！
ドコモショップで勧めまれてやはり使ってみたくなりました。
設置する住所も調べてもらって、5Gのエリアに入っていますので安心しましたが
自宅に戻って設置した時に電波が入らない場合は8日以内ならクーリングオフも可能ですが
NTTが調査し、判断してからになりますと告知されました。
フレッツ光の解約も今月末なので使用不可なら解約キャンセルも可能です。
電波調査とフレッツ光の連絡先も教えてもらいました。
光解約のキャンセルの電話番号
携帯　15715
固定　0120-766-156

購入すると決めてから home 5g にSIMカードが挿入されました。
電話番号も発行されて、4ケタの暗証番号もその場で入力しました。

早速自宅についてコンセントに挿して、本体に書いてあるパスワードを入れて
すぐに繋がりました！！本当に簡単と喜んだら10分後にwifiが切れて、光の方に繋がりました。
次は、設置する場所を変えてから電源入れ直したら繋がるが同じく10分後に切れました。
これは返品するしかないか、その前に電波の調査が必要と言われたし
面倒だなと思って 113 → 0 → 1 → 4 に電話しました。
案の定電話が込み合っているため、折り返し電話しますとアナウンスが流れました。
20分後に電話が掛かってきましたが home 5gの連絡先は違う番号と言われました！
もう。。。。レッスン始まるまでに何とか解決したいと気持ちも焦りました。
正しい連絡先の 151 → 3 → 2 → 2 に電話したら幸いすぐに繋がりました。
状況を伝えて返品お願いしますと話したら大変申し訳ありません、いくつかの方法を試してから
になります。案内されたやり方は、home 5g のSIMカードを一度出してから入れ直す。
指示通りにしましたが今度は繋がってから5分で切れました。
また151 → 3 → 2 → 2 にかけました、こういう状況なのでやはり返品するしかないと思って諦めましたが
担当者がもう一つの方法を試してほしいと言われて、今度は設置する場所しっかりと登録するので
home 5gの電源を抜いて、30分後に電源を入れてください。
本体の設置場所もなるべく窓の近く、床ではなく、高さのあるところに置くように。
ドキドキしながら30分に電源を入れたら無事に繋がりました！！！

NTT東日本からレンタルモデムの返却キットも届き、ゆうパックの着払いで返送してすっきりしました。

確かにスマホとパソコンのwifiの設定もフレッツ光より簡単です。

これでオンラインレッスンはもっとスムーズにできると期待します🎹

Home 5G にしてから３カ月が経ちました。最近ずっと繋がりが良くない為、ドコモに電話しました。
151 (3-2-2) 何と自宅周辺の5G設備が故障中の為，しばらくは 4G 固定に設定した方が安定するかもしれないと提案してもらいました。4G 固定に設定してから確かによくなりましたがまだ完全な状態ではないです。
▽ 設定方法
スマホやパソコンを「home 5G」に接続
Webブラウザを起動
アドレス入力欄に http://web.setting/ または初期状態のホストIPアドレス 192.168.128.1 を入力
「ログイン」→ パスワードを入力 →［ログイン］
初回ログイン用パスワードは、IMEI情報 (端末識別番号) の下6桁の数字を入力
IMEI情報は、本体の底面のラベルに記載されています。
メニューから科目選んでAutoから4G → 適用(保存）
Home 5G 早く改善してほしいです！！！(2024年4月)

4 ～ 5月中は平日のお昼の時間帯 (12時～14時)　週末はお昼～夕方まで繋がりません。
home 5g はうちに合えませんでした！残念！
解約は電話またはWEB手続きになりますがその日の解約になりますので
5月31日に手続きすることにしました。
▽ 解約方法
My docomoのログイン画面にアクセス
↓
home 5Gの契約で利用した d アカウントでログイン
(ID とパスワードは契約時に渡された紙に記載されています）
IDとパスワードが分からないとドコモの窓口で手続きになります。
↓
上部メニューバーの「お手続き」を選択
↓
「解約」検索
↓
「回線の解約」
↓
「お手続きする」
画面の指示に沿って解約の入力

同時にドコモ光マンションタイプ 100MB
プロバイダー込みのOCN INTERNET ルーター付きに申し込みました。
早く快適なインターネット環境にしたい！

今年も残り一か月となりました。教室も今週からクリスマスの装いです。
日頃からご理解とご協力をありがとうございます。
一年を振り返ると2月にWinter Concertを開催し、その後にピティナステップと色んなコンクールに
チャレンジしている生徒も見受けられます。
目標を持って取り組んでいる事はとても素晴らしいです。
これからはじまるバッハコンクールに参加する生徒達も頑張りましょう。
年明けにコンクールとピティナステップに参加される生徒は個別に調整致します。

2022年の2月に始めたタント タント楽譜の編曲曲数が100曲となりました。
沢山の方に利用して頂きありがとうございます。

旅行など予定のある方は、体調などにも十分にお気を付けてお出かけください。
ご家族やご友人と素敵な休日をお過ごしください。

We have only one month left in this year. Studio was also decorated for Christmas this week.
Thank you for your understanding and appreciate your cooperation.
Looking back over the past year, we held the Winter Concert in February, followed by the PTNA Steps
and various competitions. It is great to see students who have a goal in mind and are working hard to achieve it.
It’s just getting started the Bach Competition and I am sure they will also do their best.
We will make individual arrangements for students who will participate in the competition and
the PTNA Steps at the beginning of the year.

The number of arrangements of Tanto Tanto sheet music that we started in February 2022 has reached 100 pieces,
Thank you very much for choosing our store.

For those of you who plan to travel, please come back safely.
Have a wonderful holidays with your family and friends.

〜 March 13 , 2023 ～

Wearing masks will be optional in Japan. We will let each person exercise personal judgement. Hand washing, disinfection, and temperature checks will continue as basic infection control measures. Thank you!

～ 3月 13日 2023 ～

個人の主体的な選択を尊重し、マスクの着用は個人の判断に委ねることになります。 なお、手洗い・消毒・検温などは、基本的な感染症対策として継続実施するとします。 ご理解ご協力のほどよろしくお願いいたします。

Preventing COVID-19 and stopping its spread
新型コロナウィルス感染拡大予防対策について
Thermography Camera with Automatic Alcohol Hand Spray Sanitizer.
非接触型 AI 顔認識 THERMO 除菌スプレーを導入しました　　2021年9月導入