Naho Parrini

“I try to be as flexible and creative as possible. Every student is different and they all need to be taught with the technique and the language that fits them. I try to teach my students how to practice and work on their own to prepare them to be independent musicians.”

• D.M.A., State University of New York at Stony Brook
• M.M., State University of New York at Stony Brook
• B.M., North Carolina School of the Arts

“I was watching an orchestra play on TV when I was six and I pointed to the violin section and told my mother I wanted to play that pretty instrument,” explains Naho Tsutsui of why she began studying the violin. Born in Kochi-city, Japan, Naho moved to America to study at the North Carolina School of the Arts, and later came to New York to attend graduate school.

As a teacher Naho tries to be “as flexible and creative as possible. Every student is different and they all need to be taught with the technique and the language that fits them. I try to teach my students how to practice and work on their own to prepare them to be independent musicians.”

Naho generally works with students six through adult. “With younger children I emphasize imagination. At a certain age, I start to explain why it is important to do specific technical things, like straight bow and soft fingers. A greater comprehension of why things are important can often be the quickest way for an improvement.” With adults Naho customizes lessons to their musical interests. “I think its great when adults want to study an instrument with their busy lives. Since the majority of adults take lessons as a hobby, I try to make their lessons as personal and fun as possible.”

Naho has performed throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. As a performer, Naho plays a wide-range of musical styles from Baroque to contemporary. “I would love to explore other genres such as jazz someday.” Although she performs frequently as a soloist and orchestral player, Naho most enjoys chamber music. “I love working with other musicians with such an intimacy. I learn so much from my colleagues and receive inspiration from them.”