Ayako Kikuchi

Ayako Kikuchi is a dedicated performer, collaborator, and educator in the greater Chicago area. Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ayako Kikuchi holds both bachelors and masters degrees in violin performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University where she studied with Yuko Mori, Teresa Fream and Cyrus Forough.

Ayako began her musical training on piano at age four, having studied with Renee Robbins, Dickran Atamian and Carl Alexius on jazz improvisation. Ayako is a winner of the Ann Arbor Bach Festival and first prize winner of the Ann Arbor Piano Teachers Guild Foundation Award.

Ayako was accepted to the Chicago College of Performing Arts as both a pianist and a violinist, but made a decision to focus on violin. Ayako played second violin in the Iridis String Quartet was awarded the first runner-up prize at the MASTA Chamber Music Competition. She has been a substitute player with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra, Renovo String Orchestra, Chicago Composers Orchestra, and an associate member of the Chicago Civic Orchestra.

Currently, Ayako is a freelance violinist in the Chicago area performing in various ensembles and maintains a full time teaching schedule. Ayako had Suzuki trainings with Edward Kreitman and a member of American String Teachers Association, served as a judicator for the Solo and Ensemble, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra and Illinois Music Educators Association State Honors Orchestra. As a private teacher, Ayako has trained and mentored young violinists participating in the Blue Lake International Exchange Program, the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.