Jazz Pianist / Composer

Japanese pianist and composer Yuko Maruyama is a graduate of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She graduated with a masters degree and was named the Outstanding Graduate by her department for her original composition, Twighlight. Maruyama also won first prize in the Piano Duo Competition, during her first years at the school.

Since graduating, Maruyama has worked professionally as a performing and recording artist, and is known for playing a wide range of styles including classical, jazz, and R&B. She has performed widely with ensembles ranging from classical groups to big bands and church choirs. In addition, she has been a featured performer at a number of premier events, including for Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi and the California Welcome Receptions for Consul General and Mrs. Masaharu Kohno.

She is a regular with her own band and has headlined numerous jazz clubs, including The Baked Potato and The Jazz Bakery. She has also appeared at festivals, including the Orange County Metro Jazz Festival. To top it off, Maruyama is also an avid composer of original soundtracks for television and other multimedia.

As a Kawai Piano Featured Artist, she has toured across the U.S, performing her album, In Tone Nation. It’s an all-original album and the first recording to feature a Shigeru Kawai piano.

Matsuyama’s second album, Piano Bento, also features her own original compositions and showcases her innovative play on a number of Shigeru Kawai pianos.

Matsuyama’s musical expertise doesn’t stop at composing and performance. She also has extensive experience teaching piano and coaching vocalists. She is the President of the Music Teachers’ Association of California San Diego Branch and the chair of the Goodlin Scholarship Competition.