Ellen Masaki
Honolulu piano teacher Ellen Masaki has died at the age of 81. The legendary music teacher passed away in her home on Monday after a recurrence of stomach cancer.
Hawaii’s music community mourns the loss of dear friend. Over the course of her 60-year teaching career, Masaki touched the lives of thousands of students made an enormous to the cultural life of Honolulu.
Ellen Masaki’s piano students have won awards in competitions around the world. Many have become internationally recognized concert artists. And many others have found success in law, business, medicine, and a myriad of different professions. All left her care with a love of music and a desire for self-expression. Concert pianist Lisa Nakamichi fondly remembers Masaki as “the most loving teacher I ever had.”
The most important lesson she shared with each one is that in life the winners are not necessarily the most talented but the most committed. Explains concert pianist and former student Sean Kennard in an interview with KITV:
Being at the Ellen Masaki School of Music, studying with her, she's such an inspiration to me and all her students.
In a 2008 interview with Midweek, Ellen Masaki spoke of her great love and passion for teaching:
“It just grows on you. I love children. I love seeing them make progress,”
Ellen Masaki’s spirit will live on in the hearts and memories of the students she has touched. The Hawaii musical community sends are thoughts and prayers to Ellen and her family.
Comments
Ellen Masaki was the greatest teacher and woman ever...no one i knew was so dedicated/sweet/funny/joyful/inspiring as her
i miss you and i love you mrs. masaki
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