Marcus Takizawa is the assistant principal viola with the Vancouver Opera Orchestra, a core member of the Turning Point Ensemble and performs in the Onyx Trio with Joy Yeh, harp, and Mark Takeshi McGregor, flute.
He is known for his unique versatility playing classical music, contemporary music, casual engagements, studio session work, as well as performing his own music using a combination of electronics, live instruments, and improvisation.
As a viola and violin teacher, Marcus Takizawa specializes in music lessons for adults and advanced students and is also in demand as an adjudicator for regional music festivals & competitions.
Schools
- The Juilliard School, New York, NY-Master’s Degree in Performance (2003)
- Taos School of Music, Taos, New Mexico (Summer of 2002)
- The Vancouver Academy of Music-Bachelor’s of Music Degree (2001)
Teachers
- Karen Tuttle, Viola
- Gerald Stanick, Viola
- Gwen Thompson, Violin
Work Experience
- Vancouver Opera Orchestra: Assistant Principal, viola
- Turning Point Ensemble: core member, viola
- Onyx Trio: viola
- Vancouver Symphony Orchestra: extra musician, viola
- Armadillo String Quartet: violin & viola
- Koerner String Quartet (2013-2014): viola
Chamber Music Instructors
- Samuel Rhodes
- Robert McDonald
- Toby Appel
- Robert Copes
- Gerald Stanick
- Michael Tree
Awards and Competitions
- Canada Council Grant for Professional Musicians
- Eckhardt-Gramatte National Music Competition
- Irving M. Klein International String Competition