We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mami Matsuura. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mami below.
Hi Mami, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
When I entered music college, I started thinking deeply about why I make music. I had always loved it and never doubted that it was my path, but when I thought about pursuing it as a profession, I wasn’t sure what that really meant for me.
After moving to the U.S., I had an experience that changed everything.
I realized that music is one of the most powerful tools we have. It connects people beyond language and culture, and it brings me a lot of joy.
Through that experience, I found a deeper sense of meaning in making music and became certain that I wanted to continue it. Since then, I’ve focused on sharing music with others and building genuine connections through it, which remains at the core of my purpose today.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a pianist based in New York City, working in the Broadway industry and playing for shows and rehearsals. I currently work with The Great Gatsby and Mamma Mia!, and I’ve also had the opportunity to collaborate with several other productions.
I was born and raised in Japan, where I studied classical music. I’ve always loved musical theater, and when I moved to the U.S. and saw a Broadway show, I realized that I wanted to be part of that world.
What I love most about my work is the sense of connection. Creating something together with singers, actors, and musicians in real time in front of an audience brings an incredible sense of energy. Every performance feels alive and unique, and that constant unpredictability keeps it exciting.
Outside of Broadway, I enjoy exploring other creative paths such as composing and arranging music. I also accompany ballet classes, where I’ve been learning how movement and sound can beautifully connect. Although I had worked with other instruments and singers before, collaborating with dancers has been a completely new and fascinating experience for me.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Never stop learning. Being open to new experiences allows me to keep growing and evolving, and it’s also important to believe in my own ability to keep improving.
2. Listen carefully. I discovered the power of listening through my experience in chamber music. When musicians listen to each other and value their own sound, that sense of harmony reaches an audience and creates moments that move people deeply. I’ve experienced both when that connection happens and when it doesn’t, and those moments made me realize just how important listening really is.
3. Stay grateful. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of so many people who have guided and believed in me. Every experience has shaped who I am, and I try to keep gratitude at the foundation of everything I do.
Everyone has their own unique path, and I think it’s important to reflect, find what resonates with your heart, and express it through your own actions and creations.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
My biggest area of growth over the past 12 months has been learning to accept imperfection and enjoy the process of exploration. Working in fast-paced performance settings has taught me that growth doesn’t come from getting everything right the first time. It comes from staying curious, open, and resilient. This experience makes me realize that all I can do is give my best, learn from each experience, and keep moving forward. This mindset has deepened my creative process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mamimatsuura.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamimatsuura82?igsh=Z2x0MGQwbzJweG9y&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mami-matsuura-527b49181
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/47YF74Gmsi6o595Ec4xJtS?si=t_u2JmJRSBCmEf4SCM0hrg
Image Credits
Mark Higashino
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