Kenichi Kiyama was born and raised in Southern California. He started the violin at the age of 9 through the music program at his elemtary school. He then started taking lessons from Mrs. Yang Li Bartolotti at age 10 and continued to study with her till his graduation.
Kenichi was the concertmaster of several honor groups during his precollege years. He was also the concertmaster of his university’s orchestra as well. He won several competitions including the MTAC, Saddelback, and SCP concerto competitions. He was featured in a chamber music project (NEOJIBA) where select students from Brazil and CSULB performed a concert together. He has attended Montecito International Music Festival. Kenichi was the recipient of the highest continuing scholarship during his undergraduate in his second year. He was a member of the elite string quartet (USQ) of his university in his final year as well.
Kenichi is involved as a freelance musician as well. He has done many different gigs including weddings, funerals, musical projects, operatic projects, and more. He also joined Dana Point Symphony for their 2015 season. He has also performed with Debut Orchestra of LA accompanying one of the most prestigious guitar competitions in summer 2019.
Kenichi received his BM from CSULB where he studied with Henry Gronnier, Director of Colburn Academy. He is currently attending Roosevelt University where he is studying with Almita Vamos hoping to receive his Master’s in Classical Performance.
When he is not practicing all day, Kenichi likes to go exploring, reading, hang out with friends, and keep physically active.
“Teaching music to me is not just about learning an instrument, it is about exploring your creativity and also connecting all means of life to your own artistic value. I emphasize a lot about the fundamental skills. It is important to establish a strong foundation to grow exponentially without fear.
Art is the fruit of life! So let’s enjoy and have fun!