Guiding Talented Students Successfully: A Look at the Derryberry/Nakamatsu Collaboration

Californian Jon Nakamatsu won the top award at the 1997 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. What is so unique about Nakamatsu is that he had never studied in a conservatory nor a college of music. Furthermore, his academic background had no emphasis on music whatsoever. A close look at the approach used by his piano mentor Marina Derryberry revealed that she considered technical adeptness as a prerequisite for musicality. Given the mastery of technique, the piano player gained confidence in attacking any piece, at the same found enjoyment in the performance.