Meet Mao Shimizu

We were lucky to catch up with Mao Shimizu recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Mao with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
In my life I always strive to give my best. One could say I try to give more than 100%. Whether it’s singing on a stage with a band, teaching a student how to play the piano or sing; or creating a work of art, I give my best because I genuinely love what I do.

I have held different kinds of jobs in the past that are unrelated to creative art, and even though I was always doing a good job, there is a great feeling of accomplishment when I am able to make a living doing work that relates directly to my passion. This keeps me constantly improving and allows me to maintain the highest level of ethics in my creative work.

Coming to the USA from a different country and a different culture has presented me with various challenges along the way. I actually welcome these challenges because overcoming obstacles helps me to grow and to become better at what I do.

Also, when I was going through difficult times in my life, it was music that helped me get through them. Singing, playing the piano, and creative writing also helped me heal so much. So, from my own experience, I want to share that music can help people get through difficult times, strengthen them, and heal them. I also want to share with my students that neither playing an instrument nor singing can be improved in a day, it takes effort, but there is a lot of joy and healing that lies ahead.

It is also inspiring and motivating me to receive compliments from the audience and students such as, “You made my day!” Just seeing the big smiles on the faces of the audience and students also motivates me to do my best.

I get my work ethic from all these my experience of life.
However, while I am very satisfied with what I have accomplished so far, I am also very aware that there is still much work to be done to get to where I want to be.

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?
My story? I was eight years old when I started choir and piano lessons. I enjoyed that very much. Then one day I saw a musical, Poil de carotte, in Tokyo, and was fascinated by the wonderfulness of the live performance. It was then that I decided I wanted to be on a stage one day, singing in front of an audience.

Later, in high school I formed a band with some friends. I was the lead vocal. We played at some small show venues with other bands and had a lot of fun. I took my band seriously and worked hard practicing, performing, and writing songs with the goal of making a major label debut. However, reality was not so easy, and I ended up majoring in business administration at the same time as my music career.

Eventually, I came to Los Angeles with the intention to study music and following my dream. It was challenging, I had to learn a new language and make a living. I first attended music school in Pasadena, then went on to earn an associate’s degree in vocal performance at college and a bachelor’s degree in piano music education at university.

It was then that I started performing and teaching in U.S. In other words, doing what I love and what I had always wanted to do. As a singer, I’ve been performing in countless clubs, restaurants, and event in U.S and Japan. I’ve also released an original album “Dance 1.2.3.”. As an educator, I’ve been teaching at music school, elementary school, and giving private lessons to all ages.

All the while I have continued to pursue my Graphic Arts inclination. I create original drawings full of imagination with color. And they are sold worldwide through the internet.

You can find all of this in my YouTube channels, my Instagram and Facebook. Currently I am the lead singer of a very interesting and versatile Jazz ensemble. We play traditional American Jazz, Latin Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Bossa Nova and even some Pop songs. We are planning a small Tour to Japan in 2024.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
There are many qualities and skills that I consider important and useful to achieving one’s dream. At this moment and based on my personal experience, I can say that three of the most important ones are: Constantly Challenging One’s Self, Dedication, Perseverance and Dedication.

Challenging One’s Self
I think this phrase encapsulates the meaning of this quality: <<It’s better to say, “I tried and failed”; than to say, “I didn’t have the guts to try”.>> Whenever I feel lost or uncertain about taking on a challenge, I try to remember these words.

Perseverance
Often times it may seem as though all the effort and work I’ve put into achieving my dream is not paying off as quickly as I wish. However, I don’t give up easily. I keep going. Also, as an educator I want to be a good role model to the people I teach to let them know how important perseverance is to get better. I have seen this firsthand with my students. Sometimes it seems that they are not getting anywhere but I encourage them to keep trying. Then, one good day they surprise me, and they also surprise themselves when they are able to play that song that they worked so hard to learn.

Dedication
Even on the busiest day, I always strive to make time to work on performances, learn new songs, practice new piano pieces, find good teaching methods for my students, and update my band and art social media accounts.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents allowed me the great opportunity to choose my own Journey in life. They showed me with their actions that they trusted in me when I come to the U.S. and I am eternally grateful to them for that. In addition, they are always there for me when I need them. If I ever need to talk about anything in my life, I can count on them.

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