Biography

Ami Hatori is a Japanese pianist whose work spans solo performance, collaborative artistry, and community-focused engagement. She holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University, where she studied with Dr. Christopher Guzman, and a Bachelor of Music from Lawrence University, where she studied with Dr. Catherine Kautsky. She has also studied with Marvin Blickenstaff, Anita Renfroe, Miki Aoki, and Kayoko Kono, whose guidance has deeply influenced her musical growth.

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She has appeared as a soloist with the Hershey Symphony Orchestra and the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, and has received awards from competitions including the Schubert Club Bruce P. Carlson Scholarship Competition, Thursday Musical Young Artist Scholarship Competition, MTNA State Performance Competition, the Carmel Klavier International Piano Competition, and others.

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Ami’s experience as a collaborative pianist includes extensive work with vocalists, instrumentalists, and choral ensembles. At Northwestern University, she served for two years as the accompanist for the Camerata choir, in addition to her role as a graduate assistant collaborative pianist. She also accompanied Lawrence University’s Cantala for four years, while supporting voice and instrumental studios across departments.

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Deeply engaged with musical outreach, Ami has performed for a variety of community-centered events and venues, including senior living communities, hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and benefit concerts such as Music for Food and Music for All. Her performances aim to create shared experiences and moments of connection across a wide range of audiences.

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Ami is passionate about sharing music that brings joy, comfort, and a sense of connection. Through her performances and collaborations, she hopes to create shared moments of happiness and resonance — something that stays in people’s hearts and brings them a sense of warmth and lasting connection.