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Do you have any hobbies? I myself have been studying piano since I was a student, and it has been two years since I started studying it again in my 40s. The reason I started again was to take up the challenge of changing my mood while raising my children. I started out just to try again to play the Chopin piano pieces I had played as a student, but I have learned a lot from this hobby.

For example, the days when I seriously face questions such as whether my practice method is correct and why I can't get closer to my ideal performance without worrying about time are very fulfilling. When I looked into it, I found that a Polish pianist had released a 30-minute explanatory video on how to practice Chopin's piano pieces, and the content was also wonderful. Also, by using SNS, various information on improving piano skills naturally comes to me.

When I think back to 20 years ago when I was a student, there were no video sites or social media, and learning piano on your own felt like a more hands-on process. However, I was reminded that today there is a wealth of educational materials available online.

Looking back at my work, both research and teaching require daily improvement, but am I able to focus on my assignments as thoroughly as I do on the piano? Also, do the students I interact with daily ask me questions like, "Are your research and learning methods correct?" and "What can I do to get closer to my ideal research and learning?"

My hobby taught me once again to face myself and grow without worrying about time. I hope that all readers will also cherish their hobbies.

(MM)

No. 1172