MAI AKAGI

Mai began her piano studies at the age of four. During her teens, she received awards from Kawai Piano competition and JPTA (Japan Piano Teachers Association) competition. She has also performed numerous concerts in Japan and the United States since her younger age. In 1993, Mai participated in a cultural forum between US and Japan, performing at the United Nation in New York City and was invited Arcady Music Festival in Maine. She has also performed Beethoven "Appassionata" in Carnegie hall in 1999 sponsored by the Music Center Japan. Mai received both Bachelor's and Master's degrees with "Iwa Watanabe Prize" at the Eastman School of Music. There she studied piano under Berry Snyder, Natalia Antonova, and chamber music with Jean Barr. She has participated and performed in the Aspen Music Festival, Russian School, and Holland Music Sessions, studying with John Perry, Vitary Margulis, and Geogy Sandor.