Yuko Farman
Yuko Farman, a devoted wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on the afternoon of February 25, 2025, at the age of 58. Born in Tokyo, Japan, to Yoshinori and Yoshie Agata on July 3, 1966, Yuko’s journey through life was marked by passion, dedication, and a love for music.
From a young age, Yuko developed a keen interest in English, which led her to study abroad at Divide County High School in Crosby, North Dakota. There, she formed lasting bonds with friends and host families. After returning to Japan and graduating high school in 1986, she attended Sophia Junior College to further her English studies, graduating in 1988. She then worked at Foster Electric Company in Tokyo, where her exceptional language skills facilitated communication between the Japan and United States offices.
In 1990, Yuko attended the University for Foreigners in Perugia, Italy, for a 4-month Italian language immersion course. She later worked for Alitalia Airlines at Narita Airport and the Tokyo office. It was during a Christmas Eve party in 1994, hosted by a classmate from Sophia Junior College, that Yuko met Garrett Farman, a U.S. Navy Officer. Their relationship blossomed despite the challenges of the ship’s operational schedule, and they married on August 20, 1995, in a quaint backyard ceremony in Medina, New York.
Throughout their marriage, Yuko and Garrett relocated frequently due to his naval career, residing in nine locations over 25 years. It was during one of these moves to Virginia that Yuko rekindled her childhood passion for the piano. While raising their three children, she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance with Cum Laude honors from Christopher Newport University. Yuko participated in master classes with renowned pianists such as Ivo Pogorelich, Christopher O’Riley, and Ian Parker, deepening her appreciation for music and honing her skills.
Yuko’s dedication to the art of piano playing led her to study under Ms. Ilinca Vartic, a graduate of the Russian piano school, through the online Piano Career Academy. Inspired by this transformative experience, Yuko collaborated with Irina Gorin to translate method books and pedagogy courses for Japanese students, conducted seminars, and maintained a YouTube channel to share valuable teaching resources. In 2018, she earned a performance diploma from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music.
Throughout her post-college career, Yuko provided private lessons, actively performed as a collaborative pianist, worked with various musicians and orchestras, and became a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) through the Music Teacher’s National Association. As a dedicated member of the Tidewater Music Teachers Forum (TMTF), she served as editor for the monthly newsletter and co-president/president from 2023 to 2024. Since August 2019, she has been a teacher within Ms. Ilinca Vartic’s esteemed online coaching program, Piano Career Academy, and provided private piano lessons at Old Dominion University’s Community Music Division since July 2023.
Yuko is predeceased by her parents and sister Keiko Anno.
Yuko is survived by her loving husband, Garrett; sons Zachary (Sawyer) and Bradley (Koto), daughter Tamaki; brother Minoru Agata and brother-in-law Tatsumi Anno.
Her legacy of musical excellence and dedication to teaching will continue to inspire all who knew her. A celebration of her life will follow at a later date.
