The vibrant pianist Akiko Sasak's dynamic performances and detailed instruction have anchored her a prospering position as a concert pianist and music educator in the New York CIty area.  Born in Kyoto, Japan, Sasaki moved to Denver, Colorado and began her piano studies with Nell Weinwright and Alla Renjina. Sasaki received her Bachelors in Piano Performance from the University of Denver- Lamont School of Music, under the instruction of Alice Rybak. Her success in Colorado led her to study abroad in London with one of England's foremost pedagogues, Benjamin Kaplan. Sasaki continued her studies at the Manhattan School of Music, earning a Masters degree in Piano Performance in the studio of Jeffrey Cohen. In addition to her performance education, Sasaki has received private instruction from prestigious instructors such as Miyoko Lotto (New York University), Julian Martin (The Juilliard School) and Jose Mendez (New York University).

As a performing artist, Sasaki has appeared throughout Europe and the United States, both as a soloist and chamber musician. She has colaborated with fine artists such as Ilmar Gavilan, vioinist from the Harlem String Quartet and the internationally acclaimed cellist, Rachel Mercer. Sasaki can also be heard regularly in concert with cellist Erich Schoen-Rene as a duo that specializes in twenty-first century repertoire and works intimately with new composers.  Sasaki has appeared in venues such as Merkin Concert Hall, Tenri Cultural Institute, Steinway Hall, Chandler Center for the Arts, and as a winner of the New York City's Artist International competition, she gave her solo debut at Carnegie Hall in 2006. Other distinguished accomplishments include winning the Allied Arts Award, the Bernstein Crossman International Piano Studies Award, and Lamont School of Music's Concerto Competition. She was a finalist in the Notes at 9,000 competition, selected as a participant of Frederic Chiu's Deeper Piano Studies, and winner of the New York City Distinguished Artist Award presented by Mu Phi Epsilon.  

Sasaki has had the honor to play in master classes with pianists Vadim Monastirsky, Eugene Skovorodnikov, Mariann Abraham, Victor Rosenbaum, Fabio Bidini, and Frederic Chiu.  She has appeared at the Colorado Boulder Festival, the Summit New York Festival, the Goppisberger Musik in Switzerland, the New York International Keyboard Festival, and the Notes at 9000 Festival in Winter Park, CO.