Praised by the legendary violinist Isaac Stern as “a true musician,” who will always bring credit to any group that she works with, Akemi Takayama was born to a violinist mother and a cellist father, her professional violin career at the young age of fifteen in Japan. She pursued her bachelor's degree in violin performance at the Toho School of Music in Tokyo, under the guidance of Toshiya Eto and Ryosaku Kubota. Her drive to study music deeply led her to the University of Wyoming, where she earned a professional studies degree with Brian Hanly.

Ms. Takayama earned both her Artist Diploma and Master of Music degrees, also having the honor of serving as a teaching assistant to the renowned violinist and pedagogue, Donald Weilerstein. In 1997, she participated in the Marlboro Music Festival, and subsequently, she joined in the Audubon Quartet for fourteen years, a group that achieved international acclaim. Ms. Takayama also obtained her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Stony Brook University in New York. Presently, she enlightens young minds at Shenandoah Conservatory, holding the prestigious Victor Brown Endowed Chair in Violin.

Demonstrating her passion, Ms. Takayama has been the concertmaster for the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra since 2004 and the Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra since 2008. Her captivating melodies have resonated in concert halls across Japan, France, China, and the United States. Many protégés under her guidance have carved out multifaceted musical careers, from chamber music and orchestras to country tunes and record production. Akemi's love for music transcends teaching and performing, further deepened by her cherished association with The New Orchestra of Washington at the Kennedy Center. She plays on a Gennaro Gagliano violin made in 1755, kindly loaned by Japanese-American collector and philanthropist Dr. Ryuji Ueno.

Photo courtesy of Japan Embassy