Pianist Daniel Kuzuhara, born in Madison, Wisconsin, earned his Master’s degree in Piano Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he studied under Dr. Karen Shaw. Prior to his graduate studies, he trained with Professor Anthony Padilla at Lawrence University, Julie Chang, and Karen Hill. He currently continues his artistic development under Maestro Sebastiaan Bijlsma at Tiziano Rosetti’s International Music Academy.
Throughout his career, Daniel has received numerous awards and honors at local, national, and international competitions. His accolades include First Prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Competition, Grand Prize and First Place at the Rocky Mountain Summer Music Competition, First Prize in the International Music Competition “Vienna” Grand Prize Virtuoso, two Platinum Medals at the 2021 Quebec International Music Competition, a Platinum Medal at the Global International Music Competition, and Gold Medals at the 2021 and 2022 Grand Metropolitan International Music Competitions. He has also received First Prize at both the 2022 Tiziano Rosetti International Music Competition and the 2nd Swiss International Music Competition, as well as Second Prize in the Gloria Artis Competition in Vienna, the Franz Liszt Center International Music Competition, and the 2021 Music International Grand Prix.
Locally, Daniel was the winner of the 2011 Neale-Silva Young Artists Competition, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Radio, where he was featured in a live broadcast performance.
Daniel has appeared in recital across the United States and abroad, with notable performances at Carnegie Hall in New York and Musikverein in Vienna, Austria.
In addition to his performing career, Daniel is the founder of Appassionato Music Studio, where he offers private instruction in piano and violin to students of all ages and levels. He is also a co-founder of the Apostle Island Trio, which gave its debut performance in 2017. Active in his community, Daniel frequently presents solo and chamber concerts and has taken leadership roles in local musical organizations. He currently serves as co-chair of the Madison Area Music Educators (MAME) Honors Festival and is the former treasurer of the organization.