Dear Mrs. Clarfield,

I have thought of you many, many times over the years and was happy to hear how you flourished at Westminster.

I still remember the days of having lessons, being in your house and traveling for concerts. They were some of the most formative experiences of my growing up, for sure. Now I look at my career and feel so much gratitude for the mentorship and inspiration you provided.

I’ve had an amazing time being immersed in music ever since.

From studying piano and voice in college,

getting a masters degree in voice at New England Conservatory,

hitting the apprenticeship and young artist program circuit,

traveling the country singing opera,

moving to NYC and being in Broadway productions of The King and I

thriving in the freelance world as a concert singer,

and working in churches and synagogues where I am still happily ensconced,

it is really clear to me that all these amazing experiences were connected to the sense that you imparted- that music was fun, profoundly worthwhile, and could lead to a very rewarding life.

To this day, Kayo says that it’s because you assigned me pop tunes to play by ear that I am able to improv now, something which has really been valuable.

There was one time in particular when I thought of you. One summer I sang as a soloist (it was a tiny moment) in a concert at Mostly Mozart. While rehearsing on stage at Lincoln Center, I remembered that you brought us multiple times to hear concerts in that same summer series. I was thanking you in my mind then and only regret it took this long to let you know. The photo is attached. I’ve had the utter good fortune to sing on that stage multiple times before and after that moment and still don’t take it for granted!

You made a huge difference in my life. Thank you so much!

Misa Iwama