Teaching

Megumi is a Full Professor of piano and the director of the New Music Ensemble and New Music Festival at Brandon University, Canada. She is also on faculty at the Casalmaggiore International Festival Italy, Chetham's International Summer School and Festival, Manchester UK and at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. She is regularly invited to give lectures and masterclasses at universities worldwide.  

Masaki is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness of training students for the rigors inherent in music careers. Her interdisciplinary research since 2001 has developed a holistic approach to teaching: “Training Pianists as Athletes for Optimal Performance,” resulting in invitations to present at international conferences and institutions, and in awards including the Deutsches Olympisches Institut (DOI) Willi-Daume Prize. Her success in teaching was recognized with the 2010 Brandon University Alumni Association's Award for Excellence in Teaching. 

In partnership with rural arts associations, schools and personal care homes, Megumi founded “Masaki's Rising Stars of Brandon University,” an annual education outreach project offering performances and workshops to communities where interaction with music is limited. Since 2007, this program has provided Megumi’s students with research, professional touring and teaching experience across Manitoba and China. “Masaki's Rising Stars” have performed for hundreds of school children, seniors and local audiences, has helped to raise awareness and funds for specific music needs of rural communities, and has provided workshops for local teachers and young piano students.