By John.
YouthCAN is proud to introduce one of the teaching artists for YouthCAN’s 2011 Summer Studio: Paul Kikuchi.
Mr. Kikuchi was born in Indianola, WA, where there as a youth, played in his own rock band. He decided to study music by going to Bennington College and received his BFA. After doing so, he further continued his studies in California Institute of the Arts earning his MFA. He now currently works as a percussionist, instrument builder, composer, and a music educator in Seattle, WA.
His past experiences as a music educator come from the Oakwood School, the Community of Arts Partnership (both in Los Angeles, California),West Sound Academy, and the American International School of Budapest.
Paul Kikuchi’s notable projects have been: the Toy Boats, Open Graves, Tide Tables, Empty Cage Quartet, and many more. Artists which he as collaborated with like, Alexander Vittum and Tiffany Lin, are endless. Kikuchi has also created and currently runs his own record label, called “Prefecture Records” where it supports artists which experiment with percussion or unusual types of environmental acoustics. The label also seeks for artists which have invented their own instruments.
Paul has received much support in his music career by obtaining funding from Seattle’s Artist Trust, the Jack Straw Foundation, the American Composers Forum, Chamber Music America, and from the Montalvo Center for the Arts.
Kikuchi’s drum excerpt solo can be seen in this video:
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