In 1993, a small group of piano teachers gathered in Tokyo, Japan, under the guidance of Akiko Hasunuma to form the Piano Teachers’ Music Guild of Japan (PTMG). Their mission was to inspire local teachers and students to achieve a higher standard of piano playing, emphasizing musical expression “beyond the notes.”

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The seeds for PTMG were sown in 1992. After studying music in both Japan and America, she recognized a gap in Japan’s music education compared to her experiences in America, where musical expression was highly valued. Determined to bridge this gap, she sought to foster a deeper, more expressive approach to playing music in Japan. 

Hasunuma returned to Tokyo and rallied a small group of local piano teachers to her cause. Together, they envisioned a curriculum that went beyond technical skill, placing a strong emphasis on musicality.

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Annual piano evaluations soon became a central feature of PTMG’s mission. These events included American professors as adjudicators, along with masterclasses and private lessons, to provide students with a well-rounded and enriched learning experience.

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Securing funding for the project proved to be a significant challenge. With the encouragement and financial support of her husband, a strong believer in her vision, Hasunuma was able to bring the project to life. In 1993, the Piano Teachers’ Music Guild of Japan (PTMG) was officially established.

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Today, PTMG has grown into a large organization with an extensive membership, providing a nurturing environment where students, teachers, and adjudicators bond like family. It continues to host annual evaluations with adjudicators from prestigious U.S. music institutions, serving as a hub for outstanding music education and fostering a close-knit musical community.