Kerrick Ka’imi Sasaki, violin and viola Advanced Certificate in Education and Viola Performance, New York University M.M., San Francisco Conservatory B.M., University of Washington "My focus is always on making the student sound the best they can while making their lessons enjoyable." Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii Kerrick Sasaki began playing viola because “my best friend who lived down the street played the viola. We played together in the Hawaii Youth Symphony from 8th grade through high school. My friend is now a freelance journalist and I’m the one still playing viola!” Kerrick moved to New York to pursue graduate studies at NYU and also to become involved in the active New York City performance scene. Kerrick treats each student individually tailoring his approach to the pupil’s specific goals. “Are they playing the violin for the first time? Do they want to get to the next level in their school orchestra? Are they interested in pursing a life as a musician?” While Kerrick works with his students to build a foundation of basic technique he also emphasizes having fun during the lesson. “Playing a stringed instrument takes patience and focus, but with the help of a good teacher I feel that any student can learn to play the violin or viola. My focus is always on making the student sound the best they can while making their lessons enjoyable.” Kerrick works with students of all ages and levels from as young as 4 through adult. With his youngest pupils Kerrick focuses on motor skills, games, and imagination. “Rhythmic games and dancing are wonderful ways to introduce very young students to music and the violin or viola.” With adults Kerrick aims to bring students’ life experience and reasoning skills to their learning and lessons. “from beginners to advanced students it takes guts to play violin or viola as an adult. Their dedication and love of playing is infectious!” As a musician, Kerrick most enjoys playing with an orchestra, whether a symphony, opera orchestra, or in a broadway musical. “Orchestra is really what got me hooked on playing. It is always fun to play with friends and peers and make music together.” His favorite composer is Bach but Kerrick loves all kinds of music. “I love classical, but when it comes to my free time, I listen to almost everything but classical! I need to mix it up!” Kerrick cites his parents and teachers as his most important influences, musical or otherwise. “Although my parents didn’t have any musical training they always supported me in my studies. They came to every performance and drove me to lessons and rehearsals.” In his free time Kerrick enjoys going to amusement parks and studying architecture of historic theaters. “I think I love amusement parks because growing up in Hawaii we never had any.”