Midori receives 2025 ASTA Artist Teacher Award

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Violinist Midori was awarded the American String Teachers Assocation (ASTA) Artist Teacher Award at the organisation’s national conference’s opening plenary on 20 March. The conference is taking place from 19 to 22 March in Atlanta, Georgia, US. The award celebrates the violinist’s humanitarian work and educational initiatives. Midori is also a member of the ASTA national board.

Clara Kim, the programme director of Midori’s Orchestra Residencies Programs, accepted the award on behalf of the violinist and read out a speech written by Midori, in which she said: ’Education is one of the guiding pillars of my life and career. Sharing knowledge and helping others to find their artistic voice is a clear light in motivating future musicians.’ She also stressed the importance of fostering active change where art can help young people explore their individual creativity. 

Alongside being one of the world’s leading violinists, Midori has spearheaded several humanitarian and educational projects in her career. Midori & Friends, which was founded in 1992, provides tuition-free music education programmes to over 320,000 students in New York City in order to transform young people’s lives and enrich communities. 

The violinist’s Orchestra Residencies Programs is directed towards youth orchestra musicians. Over a period of four to five days, Midori participates in activities with youth orchestra members, families, educators and administrators, such as masterclasses, workshops, Q&A sessions and performances. She also takes the role of arts advocate by visiting local legislators. 

Other educational projects include MUSIC SHARING, which is active throughout Asia and brings both classical and traditional Japanese music to children. She is also involved in Partners in Performance, which brings music to small communities and young people with limited access to music. 

Midori is a United Nations Messenger of Peace. In this role, she helps to advance the organisation’s Sustainable Development Goals through quality music education. In 2021, she was named a Kennedy Center Honoree in recognition of her work. 

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