Piano by TK

I’m a professional jazz pianist, composer, and educator from Japan. I earned a Bachelor of Music degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and a Master’s degree at Manhattan School of Music, where I learned music pedagogy as well as piano playing. Currently, I'm based in New York City, where I regularly perform at various music venues. I'm equally passionate about teaching as I am about performing. Seeing my students' progress is such a rewarding and fulfilling moment. I hope to share the joy of playing piano with you! <For piano lessons>(scroll down for piano performance) =How I work with students= I’ll have students set a clear goal first (to play Fly Me to the Moon in jazz piano style, to accompany a singer with chord playing, to compose an original piece, to perform Chopin’s Etude from memory, etc). I'll then identify the skills or knowledge required to achieve the main goal, evaluate the student's level and experience, and break the goal down into manageable steps. In every lesson, I'll lead you through each of these small steps, sharing effective practice techniques along the way. =Teaching Method= After almost three decades of piano playing, studying with masters, and doing extensive research on learning strategies, I’ve discovered some methods for piano practice that optimize learning efficiency and piano techniques that allow you to play effortlessly. Practice methods include well-known learning strategies such as spaced practice, retrieval practice, interleaving, and mental rehearsal, as well as additional methods passed down from masters. Students at all levels can benefit from those methods and the technique for effortless playing. =Topics I typically cover= •music theory •improvisation •ear training •piano technique •sight reading • jazz •classic •pop •harmony •chords •voicing <For piano performance> Award-winning pianist, composer, and educator based on New York City. Offering solo, duo, or jazz piano trio performances. Music tailored for any occasion including weddings, cocktail hours, baby shower, private party, celebrations, corporate event, etc. I can play a diverse selection of music, from classical and jazz to pop, rock, Broadway, film scores, Disney classics, and holiday songs. I’m also happy to accommodate any special song requests! ********************* ********************* Bio- In 2014 he was awarded a scholarship both from TOMODACHI Suntory Music Scholarship Fund and Rotary Club Japan to attend Berklee College Of Music, where he studied with notable musicians including Joanne Brackeen, Darren Barrett, David Santoro, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Billy Kilson. While in school he was selected to perform at U.S.-Japan Council Annual Conference held in Tokyo, an event Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Sinzo Abe, Japanese former Prime Minister participated in. He recorded with Grammy award-winning trumpeter Darren Barrett for his project, But Beautiful “Time For Romance”, which was released in 2018. In 2022, he was chosen to perform with Manhattan School of Music Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Jack Walrath at Dizzy’s Club Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. In the same year he earned Master’s Degree in Jazz Studies from Manhattan School Of Music. He has toured throughout the US as well as Japan. Currently he is based in New York, where he has been actively performing in various venues in the city.