H.D./Carlo Balzaretti sensei (State Conservatory of Gallarate) Special Program

H.D.: After graduating from music college, I worked as an elementary school teacher, and then opened and run my own music school.

H.D.: It was my first time going abroad.

H.D.: I have been studying the know-how for working with children, but I decided to study abroad in Italy because I wanted to face playing again, and because I became interested in music and world history during the coronavirus pandemic.

H.D.: It was wonderful. He was friendly from the beginning. Sensei is always aiming for the highest level of music, but without forcing their opinions on me, they took my age and my purpose for studying abroad into consideration, and they gave me advice on what it means to convey music to children and through concerts. Perhaps because of this, he generously shared with us the things that are important to him at the concert. It was inspiring to hear sensei's story.

H.D.: He specifically taught me how to use my body. It was easy to understand because he actually explained using Sensei's body.

H.D.: I took the course in Italian through an interpreter.

H.D.: And Vision reserved a practice room within walking distance, and we practiced there. The staff were very kind and I was able to practice without any problems.

H.D.: We visited museums and churches.

H.D.: If you have a SIM and WiFi, you can use your cell phone in major cities without any problems, so I don't think you will have any problems in terms of daily life. Trains are also easy to ride. However, people of various races come on the train early in the morning and late at night, so you should be careful about that. It seems that even the locals may encounter pickpockets, so it is better to act with a sense of nervousness. Although a minimum of caution is required, the local people were all kind.

H.D.: I finished it at a cafe or convenience store. I was able to purchase salads, cut fruits, etc. just like in a Japanese convenience store. Eating at a cafe costs around 15 euros, and eating at a restaurant costs around 30 euros.

H.D.: I think it's best to use the local language when greeting and thanking people. I was able to use Google Translate, so I was able to get by without any problems as long as I could speak slowly in Italian.

H.D.: Because I only had a SIM card for one country, I couldn't use my cell phone during my layover in Helsinki or right after I arrived.

H.D.: It's important to jump in. There are things you can only understand by being there, so it's important to take action if you feel like it. There are some things that can only be done with a smartphone, so being able to use a smartphone is essential. I think it will be more interesting if you have some knowledge of the country before you travel.

H.D.: I would like to continue to be more active in performance activities and music classes. Being able to meet people with dreams locally made me realize that I still want to pursue my dreams.