American-born Japanese pianist, Sachi Patricia Hirakouji, holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of Washington. After completing her Bachelor of Music in piano performance at the Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo, Ms. Hirakouji worked as a certified piano teacher for YAMAHA, and continued her studies at the University of Hawaii, where she received her Master of Music degree in piano performance under Peter Coraggio. She has performed as a chamber musician and featured soloist with the University of Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, Hawaii Opera Theater, the University of Washington Symphony Orchestra, and South Shore Chamber Orchestra. She has been invited to perform as a regular featured soloist at the Annas Bay Music Festival in Union, Washington. Ms. Hirakouji has twleve years of teaching experience. In addition to her extensive studies at the musical institutions, she holds a YAMAHA Teaching Certificate and a YAMAHA Adult-Group Teaching Certificate, and also a teaching certificate in music in Japan. She has taught piano lessons to students from four-year-old to adults, and her passion for music has been inspiring, especially to many young students. Many of them received numerous prizes and awards in national auditions.