Kimi Kawashima
Two core reasons compelled Kimi Kawashima to choose the Shepherd School over other elite music institutions to pursue her master’s degree in piano performance: “I had heard great things about Rice Professor Brian Connelly. I also knew that Rice offered substantial scholarships, and as a musician, you have to put that at the top of your priority list.”
At Rice, Kimi was struck by the faculty’s extraordinary camaraderie. “Teachers here can be on total opposite ends of the spectrum as far as approach, aesthetics and interpretation, yet they somehow get along so well. Compared to what I’ve seen in other music schools, the Shepherd School faculty is truly unique and has really learned how to make it work.”
After a brief stint in arts administration at the Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation, Kimi decided to return to her first passion — playing piano. The Shepherd School was the natural choice at which to pursue her doctor of musical arts degree. “I felt like it was the right time in my life,” she explained, “and the program at the Shepherd School, which is specifically geared to provide both artistic and professional preparation, offered exactly what I needed.”
An avid performer, Kimi thrives on the Shepherd School’s fast-paced concert schedule. “It is thrilling to be part of an ensemble such as the Shepherd School Orchestra that is so dedicated to performing at the highest level. I know of few professional orchestras that are as enthusiastic and involved during a performance. And the audience appreciates it so much, especially in that beautiful hall.”
