Our Mission

“Small school…. Big Results”

Legato is committed to providing high quality performing arts education to students. We engage with, encourage, and nurture all students to achieve their goals.

We Strive To...

Provide the foundations for a lifelong love of music for each student. 

Nurture in every student the potential for expressing themselves through music.

Teach the language of music through the study of instruments, singing, and performing skills that give children a strengthened sense of self-worth and compassion.

Foster a close-knit community of instructors, students, and parents.  We believe this is a key aspect in students' growth.

Provide an environment to create the next generation of leaders and educators who will make a better and more caring world through music.

Our Goal

We Believe in music education for all

Our instructors are experienced in working with a diverse body of students. Many of our instructors have previously taught at public schools, charter schools, and private schools, and a number of our faculty have been teaching for decades. Each student will have their own personalized curriculum - we will work with every student individually in an encouraging setting.  Our teachers are able to assist all students in realizing their potential, whether they desire a career in music, or simply a deeply rewarding hobby. 

We Care

We hold annual meetings between teachers, parents, and our Principal. Our instructors provide personalized reports and we discuss each student's progress face to face, with feedback on what is necessary for their growth. We also discuss the possibilities of whether the student should undertake certifications or competitions, and if the instrument or the instructor is a good match for them. We tailor these goals in order to better enhance the student's future at Legato and in music education. 

 

Instruction in 25 instruments

Piano, Jazz Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Voice, Flute, Recorder, Clarinet, Oboe, Saxophone, Ukulele, Classical Guitar, Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Drum set, Orchestral/Band Percussion, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone Horn, English Horn, French Horn, Songwriting with Guitar and Piano, and Electronic Music Production.

 

recitals, competitions,  and community service opportunities

We are proud to hold monthly recitals at Legato's Facility, and annual recitals at larger halls. Our faculty and student concert is inclusive and enjoyable.  Each year, a musical repertoire is selected that allows students and instructors to perform together. Students will form an orchestra, band, choir, or musical theater group to perform with their instructors. Performances cover a wide range of genres - including classical, jazz, rock, and pop. Ensemble and choir students perform at senior centers and for nonprofit organizations annually. Legato students consistently achieve outstanding results in many certifications and competitions, as well as in auditions.
Since 2009, Legato students have been selected as honor students in MTAC, MTNA, ABRSM, RCOM, and Guild Certifications.

Our students have been winners in Youth Focus, MTAC VOCE, CAPMT, MTNA, AFAF and international Prodigy Competitions.

Our History

In Hope of a New World

Legato Music School was founded by educator Haruna Shiokawa-Mo in May 2009.

Originally from Japan, Haruna relocated to the United States in 1997. She studied music in the South and Midwest to find herself and restart her life in the “New World". After many years of teaching in public schools, charter schools, private schools, and community centers in the West Valley, Haruna founded Legato Music School to continue nurturing students of all different age groups. It has been her wish that Legato Music school will be a joyous place where students and teachers are able to connect with one another, hence the name Legato. It is also Haruna's hope that teachers and students will have opportunities to perform together, sharing the same stage.

Each May, Legato holds a student and faculty recital as part of this realization.

This year we are proud to celebrate Legato's 10th anniversary.