About MAI
Mai Kubo is a classically trained pianist and instructor based in southern California. As she currently seeks for different opportunities in the music industry, she continues to perform in ensembles or as an accompanist for her colleagues at school.
Growing up in the city of Irvine, Mai began her piano adventure at the age of eight under Elisa Tseng at the Yamaha School of Music. Slowly exploring her passion in music, Mai underwent a surgical procedure to correct a birth defect called Bilateral Brachydactyly in her pinkies due to a restraint in mobility. During this journey, she had the help and support of Chizuko Asada whom she had studied with prior to her music education at California State University, Long Beach. Mai was a recipient of the Cole Scholarship and received her bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Craig Richey. In addition, she has participated in many MTAC festivals and masterclasses taught by Jack Winerock, Chih-Long Hu, Daniel Shapiro, and Greg Anderson.
Aside from piano, Mai has taken part in orchestras as a cellist and has competed in the Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) and Winter Guard International (WGI) competitions with a percussion ensemble. During her free time, Mai enjoys cooking for her friends and has picked up an interest in songwriting. She is also an active volunteer of Guide Dogs for the Blind Organization (GDB) and is frequently requested as a puppy starter.
Fun Fact
- Graduated with a BA in Piano Performance
- Taught both piano and cello for more than five years
- Bob Cole Music Scholarship Recipient
- Fluent in Japanese
- Enjoys songwriting on the side
- Puppy trainer for Guide Dogs for the Blind
- Open to ideas or music preferences of student
- Applies the “Art of Practicing” through practicing recipe
- Performed piano solos at art exhibitions (BGM)
- Loves road trips, working out, and cooking for friends
- Performed at SCPA & WGI competitions for percussion ensemble as vibraphonist
AFFILIATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
- Personality: Patient and open minded
- Genre: Classical and Pop
- Best for: Beginner to Advanced
