 Furukawa's Scottish-American mother was an avid classical, folk, and Scottish music fan, and encouraged Furukawa to begin writing songs from an early age.Furukawa is also a classical pianist and teacher.In her high school years, she was a Fletcher Scholarship winner, placed in many piano contests for solo and concerto performances (Durham Symphony, Yamaha, RPTA, MTNA), and participated in music festivals (Eastern Music Festival) and classical masterclasses.