A native Japanese born musician, Naoki is trained guitarist with a sufficient background in music performance/education. As a guitarist, composer and educator, Naoki received awards to perform in various formal guitar ensembles, chamber/jazz combos and big band. After receiving a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Washington State University, Naoki provides music education services within the Portland Metro area, delivering high-quality music education services for current/future generations. As a music instructor, Naoki conducted duties such as administering curriculums, promoting a positive learning environment, meeting goals/objectives envisioned by students, and assessing student performance in a creative inclusive manner. Naoki’s teaching philosophy is instilling a lifelong love and respect for music that challenges as well as encourages a self-driven independent learning process. While promoting a positive and inclusive teaching environment, his teaching philosophy encourages a deeper understanding on concepts while encouraging critical thinking practice. Every student is unique and his approach incorporates methods best suited for the each individual, regardless of experience and proficiency. Prior to becoming a certified musician, Naoki previously worked as a professional urban planner. Naoki currently holds a Bachelor of Music in Performance from Washington State University, Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning and Sustainable Development from Western Washington University, and a Master of Regional and City Planning from the University of Oklahoma.
