Coincidence is a common theme throughout many of such stories, but few would truly be able to rival the hand that fate had in bringing Aya to Cambodia.
Long before the Southeast Asian nation came into the picture, Aya’s world revolved around music. She picked up the piano at just four years old and set her sights on becoming a music teacher when she was in high school. Today, Aya is what she had dreamed of becoming, teaching piano out of a humble cafe that her husband operates in Kyoto.
But hidden behind the tranquil and free-spirited days she now lives in, was a period of self-doubt and uncertainty, followed by a moment of epiphany and discovery.
A Blossoming Dream
When Aya was young, there was little to no doubt that what she wanted to do had to be about music. Somewhere between middle school and high school, that idea became clear, she wanted to be a music teacher. With that in mind, she enrolled in a music college in Japan.
And that was all that was supposed to happen, she would graduate, take an exam to get a license to teach music, and do exactly what she had always wanted to do. But life had other plans for the young Aya. University did not pose a problem for the most part, but after graduating, she struggled to get her certification as a music teacher. Akin to how a native speaker of a language would rely on their intuitions over theory, growing up with music had made it difficult for Aya to attain the certification she needed to be a music teacher in Japan.
After falling short two times, Aya’s conviction wavered. She was lost, more so than any other moment in her life. Confiding in her mother and her music teacher, she decided to take a break from music, potentially even putting it all behind. She applied for a working holiday visa to Canada and considered a career outside of music, a concept that had remained foreign to her for the most of her life.
Second Wind
During her stay in Canada, Aya studied English and worked in jobs unrelated to music. But still, she could not let go of the idea of doing music professionally. Determined, she soon found herself surfing the internet for ideas, opportunities, anything that could give her another chance at the thing she loves most.
One fateful day, Aya came across a website. The website called for volunteers willing to compose music for African or Cambodian kids. Immediately, Aya’s interests were piqued, and she considered the possibilities of both Africa and Cambodia. “Africa was too far”, she remembered thinking, an aspect she knew was never going to fly with her mum. Cambodia, however, was a different story. She had heard from a friend that Cambodia was a place that she had to visit at least once in her life. It is also much closer to Japan.
While it still took some convincing, her mother eventually gave in and Aya made her way to Cambodia. (Interviewer’s note: Not through the website.)
Inspired by the website, Aya soon found herself performing the melodica in front of a group of children in Cambodia. Finally, she was reunited with music once again. But as she was enjoying the moment, a concerned parent reached out to her; they expressed that having their children be interested in music was not going to be helpful to them, and asked if Aya could teach the children English or Japanese instead.
This exchange came as a shock to Aya. She had not thought that she would receive such feedback. Music had meant so much to her growing up, and even now, Aya remarked that music continues to play an important role with raising her daughter. So, when she found out that Cambodia did not have music lessons in elementary school, this came as a huge shock to her. From there, Aya knew her next calling.
But moving was a big decision, and convincing her mother would take much more than it took before. This was in the early 2000s and Aya’s mother still had impressions of when Cambodia went through political instability and was not sure if it would be safe. Determined, Aya bought a ticket for her mother to show her that Cambodia was not the place she thought it was.
The Decade
Together, Aya and her mother travelled to Cambodia, and Aya took every opportunity to show her mother what she loved about the country. She recalled showing her the places she went to, the place she stayed at, the supermarkets, and her friends, trying her best to reassure her mother using every chance she had.
Eventually, her mother was convinced, and Aya eventually made the move to Cambodia, embarking on what would become a decade-long journey of music, education, and cultural exchange.
Aya started small, offering informal lessons to children in local communities. She realized early on that teaching music in Cambodia required more than just her passion; it needed adaptation, understanding, and patience. Resources were scarce, and many families prioritized practical skills over artistic pursuits. But Aya was undeterred. She took it upon herself to design music lessons that incorporated storytelling and language learning, demonstrating to parents that music could be both enjoyable and educational.
With time, Aya’s work gained recognition. Word spread, and soon, more parents were willing to let their children take part in her lessons. She began collaborating with schools and NGOs, advocating for the inclusion of music education in early childhood development programs. Her efforts culminated in the establishment of a small music school, where she provided lessons in piano, melodica, and basic music theory.
Aya’s life in Cambodia was not without its challenges. There were moments of doubt, financial strains, and cultural adjustments that took time. But the joy she found in seeing her students flourish kept her going. Some of her students pursued music more seriously, while others simply found comfort and confidence in learning an instrument. Either way, Aya believed she had fulfilled her mission: to introduce music as a means of expression and joy.
A New Chapter
After ten years in Cambodia, Aya eventually returned to Japan. Life had come full circle. She now teaches piano in Kyoto, running a cafe her husband operates. Though she is no longer in Cambodia, the country remains close to her heart. She continues to keep in touch with her former students and annually visits when she can.
Looking back, Aya sees her journey as one guided by an unwavering love for music and an openness to life’s unexpected turns. What began as a period of uncertainty and self-doubt became a transformative experience, enriching not only her own life but also the lives of countless children in Cambodia.
Through it all, Aya learned that music is more than just notes on a page—it is a language that transcends borders, a bridge between cultures, and, in her case, the guiding force that led her to an entirely new world.
Written by Dr. Preechaya Kittipaisalsilpa and Mr. Bryan Tan Jia Yang
Photo by Ms. Aya Urata
