Makiko Taguchi’s Violin Viola (piano ) Studio

Lessons Offered

Where are Lessons Offered

About Me

     I live in Rockville, Maryland. I love to teach, and also love performing music. I have been teaching over 30 years since  I was in college.  I grew up in Tokyo Japan and the grandfather on my father side was also a teacher.  He worked as an elementary school principal and occasionally a farmer, in countryside about 80 years ago, while raising my dad and his siblings.

My uncle is also a retired high school English teacher. I know teaching is in my family. 

Besides being a musician and a teacher, I am also a mom of 4 grown up children aged 27 to 20 years old. My husband is from Japan as well and works as a massage therapist in College Park, MD. He helps me when my shoulder is stiff after practicing violin, by giving me advice on stretching. 
 

Currently, I have about 10 students, and usually plan to do the students' recital annually around winter time in Gaithersburg library. I also enjoy myself performing a piece at the end of the recital , and my 8 performance videos are on YouTube. You can find me by searching "makikot4".                                                                Besides teaching, I try to audition for the violin sections in orchestras in the area, as a player. Recently, I started performing with Farfax Symphony Orchestra from 2023-24 season. And I would like to audition and perform more with area professional orchestras in coming seasons.  

My Musical Education Background

    I started playing piano at the age of 5. I went to Yamaha music school for children while in Kindergarten, then started violin at the age of 8 and began taking lessons. I became interested in becoming a professional musician. I went on to Toho music academy high school and college. Eventually, I became very serious about practicing many hours a day. 

I graduated from Toho music academy college with the highest honour in violin class of 1989. As a result, I was chosen to attend the Tanglewood music festival in Massachusetts representing the school. When I arrived there, Mr Seiji Ozawa welcomed me and I shaked hands with him. After that I continued my studies at San Francisco Conservatory of Music and received masters of music degree in violin performance in 1992. 

Genres and Subjects Taught

I am trained in classical music, however I enjoy using music from other genres if students preferred to learn those.  I work with genres such as pop, musical, movie music, etc. as it seemed suitable. 

Lesson Rates

For 2024 to 2025 school year, I would like to charge $38 for 30 minutes, $57 for 45 minutes and $76 for 60 minutes lesson.  Please feel free to contact me for a trial lesson.

Ages / Skill Levels Taught

I think it's good to start from 6 or 7 years old and I can teach any levels for violin and viola. And I teach beginner level piano and basic music theory.

My Certifications and Awards

I received the highest honors from violin class of 1989 at the graduation from Toho music academy college in Tokyo, Japan. 

I won the concerto competition at San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 1991 and performed Mendelssohn violin concerto as a soloist.

I received the Premier Prix award from Pierre Lantier International music competition in Paris, France in 1992. 

My Musical Influences

I studied with Yumi Mohri, Tomoyasu Soh, Tomotada Soh, Toshiya Eto, and Hideki Oguni as my primary teachers, while in Japan. In San Francisco, I worked  with Isidore Tinkleman in Conservatory of Music. 
I am also influenced by many composers, instrumentalists, conductors, singers...

Service Area

Ndassi Y
Laurel, MD

I never thought my daughter would be able to play an instrument. Because she showed less interest. However, Mrs. Makiko proved me wrong. Not only did Mrs. Makiko taught her violin, she help her overcome her shyness by performing in public. Thank you so much.