Biography

Mai Kokubo is one of the most active euphonium performers in Japan both on stage and as a teacher. She began studying the euphonium at 11 years old, and three years later, she started to perform as a soloist. After graduating high school, she studied under Toru Miura at the Kunitachi College of Music and under Dr.Brian Bowman at the University of North Texas, where she completed her Master of Music Degree in Euphonium Performance. In 2012, she won the top prize at the Japan Wind and Percussion Competition, launching her career as a professional Euphonium player. Her brilliant musicality and cheerful personality became well known as she was invited to be a guest artist at the 2014, 2016, and 2019 International Tuba Euphonium Conference (ITEC). She completed a highly successful recital tour after releasing her first CD “A War in Wonderland” in 2015 and “Miko Dance” in 2020. The both of recording were nominated by ITEC for the CD prize and the Roger Bobo Award for excellent recording in 2016 and 2021.

In 2015 and 2018, she hosted the Hamamatsu Euphonium Tuba Festival, where around 200 participants of junior and high school students, music college students, and professional and amateur performers joined to learn the instrument and enjoy concerts. She also hosted the Hamamatsu Euphonium Tuba Camp in 2019 and continues to teach at music colleges and high schools. 

Mai worked as a head judge of ITEC 2023 Solo competition Euphonium Artist Division, and performed “Miko Dance” by Hiroshi Hoshina as a guest soloist at ITEC Evening Concert in May 2023.

Also, she was invited a guest artist for Falcone International Tuba Euphonium Festival 2023. 

Now she teaches at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music and Tokoha UNIV. Junior College.

Mai Kokubo https://www.maikokubo.com/