‘How art can bring out the best in us': Renowned pianist joins panel on careers in the arts

Chicago Tribune

30-03-2025

Globally renowned pianist Dr. Makiko Hirata, also known as Dr. Pianist, graced a panel discussion exploring professional pathways available to musicians, artists and other creative students.
The panel discussion, held at Indiana University Northwest on Friday, was the second of three presentations by Hirata, who has appeared on stages worldwide, including performances in New York City's Carnegie Hall and Seiji Ozawa Hall, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
The panel was led by Erin McHugh, director of arts programming and engagement at Indiana University Northwest, with a focus on providing information for those students pursuing a career in the arts.
'I myself am an artist and I found that there is not a lot of guidance for a nonlinear path. I thought it was good for students to find out and bring in people in the field to find out how they got here,' McHugh said.
McHugh was flanked in the panel by Hirata and Kaitlyn Mick Stancy, a visiting assistant professor at Indiana University Northwest.
In addition to taking part in the panel discussion, Hirata was also part of a program on Thursday called Befriend Your Butterflies, a lecture examining the concept of performance anxiety through the lens of psychology and musical performance.
The three-day program, with Hirata as the focus, culminated on Saturday with her hour-long matinee performance of virtuosic music by Debussy, Gershwin and Chopin, as well as arrangements of spirituals by Margaret Bonds.
McHugh, at the Friday panel event, said the discussion was a first of its kind at the university and something she wanted to host because she is worried there might be a decline in arts degrees with more emphasis placed on STEM or science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs.
'There's a lot of focus on the STEM fields and not enough on the arts because of the focus on employability,' McHugh said.
She said she is worried there might be a decline in students studying for art degrees.
'That we're not employable is not true. We're all working and we're all OK,' McHugh said.
Hirata said that art is more important than ever.
She said she is passionate about what she does and is committed to harnessing the power of music for healing and unity.
'I consider myself an art activist. The latest findings are how art can bring out the best in us,' Hirata said.
One of the turning points in Hirata's life was as a 20-year-old pianist when an elderly man became so passionate about her performance that he jumped up, yelled bravo, then fell to the floor.
'When you witness something like that, a moment can be so transformable,' Hirata said.
Another turning point in her life followed after the March 11, 2011, tsunami, the strongest earthquake in Japan's recorded history.
Hirata said she performed for charity events and was able to help raise money for those in her homeland.
'I saw the power to bring people together. Crises have the power to bring people together, and I saw that,' Hirata said.
McHugh, who studied at the Royal College of London, said she wanted to be an opera singer and was able to initiate that career.
She was performing, but found she began dreading the job.
'I got so I didn't even want to go to the practice room,' she said.
She ended up leaving that job, learning she loved numbers, and getting a job as a project manager, then an art administrator.
'I love my job,' McHugh said.
Mick Stancy, an alum of Indiana University Northwest, said she has well utilized her fine arts degrees and considers herself a multidisciplinary artist, educator and creative entrepreneur.
She specializes in graphic design, printmaking and photography.
'I kind of combined all my abilities. I truly believe in the power of art and design,' she said.
Hirata said her advice, when looking back at the start of her career, would be not to isolate yourself as she once did when struggling as an Asian objectified woman.
'Be more curious about your challenges; when people treat you badly, ask them why,' Hirata said.
Mick Stancy added: 'Don't limit yourself. Don't put yourself in a corner. Try and enjoy the ride.'
McHugh offered: 'If I could truly go back in time, I'd say to be more sensitive to what made me special as an artist. I wish I would have leaned into it.'
Renee Miles-Foster, a professional jazz singer who attended the event, told the panel she applauded their efforts.
'I'm glad to say to each of you, you go, girl,' Miles-Foster said.
'We're all unique individuals and we need to be more understanding of what we bring to the table. You have to put yourself first,' she said.