>akiko sasaki

Akiko Sasaki has been teaching piano for eleven years. She began playing piano at the age of five. She attended the University of Denver Lamont School of music where she studied with Alice Rybak and earned her undergraduate degree in classical piano performance. After studying in London with Benjamin Kaplan as an Allied Arts and Bernstein Crosman scholarship winner, Akiko attended the Manhattan School of Music where she studied with Jeffrey Cohen and earned her Masters degree, also in classical piano performance.

Since graduating, Akiko has continued her piano studies in New York City with esteemed teachers such as Jose Ramon Mendez, Miyoko Lotto, and Julian Martin.  Akiko has appeared as a soloist and a chamber artist throughout Europe and the United States, including venues such as the Tenri Cultrural Institute, Yamaha Concert Hall, Merkin Hall, Steinway Hall and a solo debut at Carnegie Hall. She has won numerous awards, including the New York City's Artist International, and New York City's Distinguished Artist Award.

Akiko has found great fulfillment in teaching and has studied pedagogy with Carolyn Shaak, one of the leading piano teachers in the United States.  In addition to to maintaining the Forte>Piano Studio in Victorian Flatbush Brooklyn, Akiko is on faculty at the Lucy Moses School at the Kaufman Center in Manhattan.   Her passion and devotion to music education led her to endeavor music programs to help students find creativity and gain performing experience.  Akiko is the founder and co-director of Musical Explorers, is director and event coordinator of the Performing Pianists of New York and is the co. director and instructor at the Lyra Summer Music Workshop in Randolph, Vermont.  In the past, she has taught at Larchmont Music Academy, Merit Music, Mott Hall Middle School, and Florentine Yamaha School of Music. With her experience of working with diverse students of all ages, Akiko has learned to adjust to each students needs and strengths. Her lessons are creative and fun, while being focused on ear-development and proper technique.

>jesse stacken