PianoCademy

Asuka Restauri, a Los Angeles native, is a Japanese-Chinese pianist and dedicated educator serving the South Bay area. With over 25 years of classical training, she has studied under esteemed teachers like Akiko Hasunuma (MTAC Pasadena) and Miyoko Lotto (NYU, Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard). Asuka holds a B.M. and an M.A. from New York University and has performed extensively in New York City, as well as internationally in Japan, Russia, Austria, and Bolivia. She currently owns and instructs at Pianocademy, offering high-quality piano training in a fun and supportive environment.

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During her early years, Asuka won numerous awards, including multiple first prizes at the Southern Youth Music Festival, 1st Prize at the MTAC Chopin Competition and Duo Competition, and 2nd Prize at the Southern California Junior Bach Festival Complete Works. At 13, she was invited by the Piano Teachers Music Guild of Japan to perform in Tokyo's Nakano Zero Hall and Koche Hall alongside pianist Susan Svrcek.

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In 2001, Asuka continued her studies with Miyoko Lotto in New York City, attending New York University on a School of Education Scholarship. She actively performed as a soloist and chamber musician at venues like the National Arts Club, Nabi Gallery, Tenri Cultural Institute, Frederick Loewe Theatre, and Weill Hall. She also participated in masterclasses with legendary musicians such as Claude Frank, Pamela Frank, Joel Krosnick, and Gilbert Kalish.

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In 2007, Asuka and her duo partner, Walter Aparicio, performed at the Teatro Municipal in La Paz, Bolivia, under the sponsorship of the Bolivian government and the Vice Ministry of Culture. Their performance was recognized by the International Young Men's Club Association and aired on Channel 21-Gigavision. The duo also won first prize at the Bradshaw and Buono International Competition for their performance of Barber's "Souvenirs Ballet Suite, Op. 28."

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In 2009, Asuka received the Artists International Special Presentation Award, which led to her New York solo recital debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, featuring works by Mendelssohn, Haydn, Liszt, and Ginastera.

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From 2007 to 2009, Asuka was a performing artist and production manager for the Nouveau Classical Project, a series that blended fashion and classical music. Her productions included "Departures," featuring the fashion of Rachel Cohen and artwork of Elsie Hill, and "Reconstruction," a collaboration with Parsons students to reimagine historical silhouettes using Louis Vuitton samples and classical music.

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As an educator, Asuka has over 20 years of experience. In addition to running her private studio, she is the Co-Director of The Piano Teacher's Music Guild (P.T.M.G.) of Japan and the Webmaster for the Music Teacher's Association of California (M.T.A.C.) of the South Bay Branch. Previously, she has been a piano instructor at New York University, Pasadena Conservatory of Music and the Noel Pointer Foundation. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the MTAC South Bay Branch and was the Assistant Director for the Chamber Music Program at the New York Youth Symphony. In New York, she taught over 100 students at her private studio, "Studio 545," featured in David Cutler's book, "The Savvy Music Teacher."

 

Asuka currently resides in Torrance, where she continues to teach and inspire the next generation of musicians.