Music is a universal language. To be able to express ourselves through music, we have to learn skills first to play the instrument, read the music, and learn harmony and theory. My mentor at Berklee, Ray Santisi who taught Keith Jarrett, Diana Krall, Joe Zawinal, Makoto Ozone, and more used to say, "Let's develop our skills, so we can support our instinct." Playing music is meditative and a healthy thing. I am very lucky to have a therapeutic job and I want to help people to have music in their life - no matter what their profession is/would be.

For students who have already learned those fundamental classical skills, Masako engages them with jazz instruction using a variety of methods: “left-hand activity, right-hand harmonization of melody, voicing techniques, improvisation, re-harmonization, accompaniment for vocal or instrumental. All the above material will create a fullness of sound necessary for solo jazz piano. This comprehensive approach can be applied to any style such as jazz, pop, contemporary rock, and more.” 

Masako was the resident pianist at the Boston Harbor Hotel and Joe Tecce’s in the North End, where she entertained guests with her knowledge of the American Songbook and more contemporary music. She often collaborates with cellist Fabrizio Mazzetta, most recently as BÉME (Belle Époque Music Ensemble) founding member.

B.A. Seikei University, Tokyo Japan; Diploma in Performance, Berklee College of Music