Risa Kaneko, Piano

Risa Kaneko is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music as a full-scholarship student under the guidance of James Tocco. She began her musical education with the Yamaha program at the age of 4 and started to play the piano at age 7. Before moving to Cincinnati, she spent several years in Bloomington, Indiana, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance under the guidance of Evelyne Brancart and her Master’s under legendary pianist André Watts.

As a teacher, Risa enjoys sharing her passion and knowledge about piano playing with all kinds of students. She has been on the faculty of the Pre-College Piano Program at Indiana University Bloomington, Jacobs School of Music where she taught students of various ages and levels. In the past few summers, she has worked for their Piano Academy program for serious young pianists. Risa has also taught group piano class to non-music majors as an Associate Instructor of Piano at Indiana University.

Born in Japan, Risa moved to the States when she was seven and grew up in the Washington, D.C. area where she studied with Marjorie Lee. Outside of music, she enjoys running and loves dogs and all kinds of food.