We recently connected with Yuta Sugano and have shared our conversation below.

Yuta, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

During Covid time especially, I wanted to do something meaningful to give back to the community. It was a hard time for so many people not having face-to-face contact with those they loved, so I decided to try to help some by bringing music in hopes of offering some comfort. I especially connect with the older generation, so I dedicated myself to what I call “Committed to Community” where I perform in retirement homes on a regular, weekly basis. Sometimes I perform up to three times a week! I currently have performed over 300 times in such a setting!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up in Japan. My parents aren’t musicians but both love music and music was constantly playing in our home. My mother also can play piano and was dedicated to my learning. Since I was 5 years old, I have been taking lessons and playing the piano. It has become part of me, who I am. It made the most sense to keep pursuing it since I had a talent for it and had worked hard with it. It wasn’t always my passion, but as I kept learning and performing, I realized that this is who I am meant to be – pianist Yuta Sugano. Piano is my livelihood now. I teach nearly 40 students in a private studio, perform nearly 100 times per year, and I also mentor other young pianists at various music camps. My expertise includes teaching more advanced students to perform for competitions or prepare them for college auditions. I desire to see the next generation gain a love for music and a passion to perform it! I am most proud of my accomplishment to continue in my trade. In the music world, many former pianists are now pursuing other careers. It takes a lot of continued work, devotion and dedication to keep pursuing piano and make a successful living out of it! I am thankful and humbled to be such an integral part of my community by bringing the gift of music to so many!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Come to the performances! Listen to the artists in your local community! Show up for them in support of them. This is one thing that makes the biggest impact and encourages performers to keep performing!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The ability to touch the hearts of people through music. I perform in memory care retirement homes, and it is amazing to see people come alive again – their eyes light up and smiles come on their faces – when I perform a piece they recognize. Music has such a powerful impact on so many lives, and I love being a part of that.

Contact Info:

• Website: yutasugano.com
• Instagram: @suganoforte
• Facebook: Yuta Sugano