faculty

Kenichi Kiyama – Viola & Violin Instructor.

Kenichi Kiyama was born and raised in Southern California.  He began violin studies through the music program at his elementary school.  He studied with Mrs. Yang Li Bartolotti and continued until graduation.

Kenichi was the concertmaster of several honor groups during his pre-college years, and of his university’s orchestra.  He won several competitions including MTAC, Saddleback, and SCP concerto competitions.  He was featured in a chamber music project (NEOJIBA) where select students from Brazil and CSULB  performed collaboratively.  He attended Montecito International Music Festival.  Kenichi was the recipient of the highest continuing scholarship during his undergraduate work in his second year.  He was a member of the elite string quartet (USQ) of his university in the final year of studies.

Kenichi is involved as a freelance musician performing in weddings, funerals, musical projects, operatic projects and more.  He joined Dana Point Symphony for their 2015 season and has performed with the Debut Orchestra of LA accompanying one of the most prestigious guitar competitions in the summer of 2019.

Kenichi received his BM from California State University, Long Beach where he studied with Henry Gronnier, Director of the Colburn Academy.  He is currently attending Roosevelt University as a classical performance major in the Master’s program and is a student  of Almita Vamos.

When he is not practicing all day, Kenichi enjoys exploring, reading, friendships with colleagues and fellow students and stays physically active.

  “Teaching music to me is not just about learning an instrument.  It is about your own   creative and artistic expressions.  It is important   to establish a strong foundation in order to grow   musically with confidence. Art is the fruit of life! So let’s enjoy, learn, and   have fun!”