Praised for his “precise virtuosity, lovely tone, and a beautiful variety of colors” (Pavel Hula), 18-year-old violinist Tokuji Miyasaka is quickly establishing himself as one of America’s most promising young musicians.
A 2025 National YoungArts Winner with Distinction and national winner of the 2021 MTNA Junior Strings Competition, Tokuji Miyasaka is a first prize laureate at the Kocian International Violin Competition. He was awarded multiple top prizes at the 2022 Kloster Schöntal International Violin Competition, including the special “Virtuoso” prize for his performance of Niccolò Paganini’s fiendishly difficult variations on Nel Cor Più Non Mi Sento, becoming the only American to win this award in the competition’s 37-year history.
As a 2024 From the Top Fellow and a 2023 Seattle Symphony Young Artist, Tokuji has received more than 20 first prizes, including the prestigious Festival Medal at the Seattle Young Artists Music Festival. His other awards include First Prize at the Seattle Philharmonic’s Don Bushell Concerto Competition, the KING FM/Seattle Chamber Music Society Young Artists Award, and Music of Remembrance’s David Tonkonogui Memorial Award.
Tokuji’s performances have taken him across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. After making his solo orchestral debut at age eleven with the Spokane Symphony, he has since appeared as a soloist with ensembles including the Seattle Symphony, North Corner Chamber Orchestra, Washington-Idaho Symphony, Fairbanks Symphony, Cascade Symphony, and Philharmonia Northwest. His festival appearances span prestigious institutions and events such as the Keshet Eilon Summer Mastercourse, National YoungArts Week in Miami, and Chamber Music Northwest’s Young Artist Institute.
Tokuji’s recordings have been showcased on platforms such as The Violin Channel, NPR Music Live Sessions, and Classical KING FM 98.1’s Northwest Focus Live. Upcoming highlights include a performance on From the Top’s Show 460 in March 2025 and concerts with the Seattle Philharmonic, Cascade Symphony, and Portland Chamber Orchestra.
Since he began playing the violin at age three, Tokuji’s principal teachers have included Simon James, Hiro David, and Meredith Arksey. He has additionally received guidance from James Ehnes, Noah Geller, and Kevin Krentz at the Seattle Chamber Music Society’s Academy, where he is a full scholarship recipient. Tokuji currently plays on a modern violin made by David Gusset and a bow by Pierre Simon previously belonging to famed Belgian violinist Arthur Grumiaux.