Dr. Makiko Hirata, a globally renowned pianist who has graced stages worldwide including Carnegie Hall and Ozawa Hall, is passionately committed to harnessing the power of music for healing and unity. As ‘Dr. Pianist,’ she seamlessly blends artistic excellence with advocacy, positioning herself as a pivotal figure in showcasing the profound influence of music on societal well-being. A US-Japan Leadership Program Fellow and a founding member of TEMPO: Music for Climate Action, Dr. Hirata has also been honored as Coeuraj’s 2022 ‘Global Courage Fellow’ for her instrumental role in fostering trust and unity in times of division.
Transitioning from her birth in Japan to her upbringing in Hong Kong and eventually to Juilliard at the young age of 13, Dr. Hirata’s diverse background has been the foundation of her belief in music as a universal language, central to her identity as a global citizen. Her international career began with a notable performance of Rachmaninoff’s Second Concerto with the Orquesta SinfĂłnica Nacional de Bolivia at 18. Dr. Hirata’s journey has taken her to esteemed venues like the Coolidge Auditorium at the Library of Congress, Oji Hall in Tokyo, and the Wortham Theater Center in Houston. She has performed as a featured soloist under the batons of legendary conductors, including the Kennedy Center Honors recipient Leon Fleisher. Her playing has been described as “incandescent” (Telegram & Gazette), “estimably simpatico with the music,” (Boston Music Intelligencer) and “straight from the heart” (CVNC).
Holding a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rice University, Dr. Hirata’s influence extends beyond the stage. She has offered solace through her music to 9/11 rescue workers and raised over $20,000 for disaster relief following the 3.11 tragedy in Japan. A respected educator, Dr. Hirata has taught at New York University, Rice University, and Lone Star College, in addition to delivering master classes and lectures globally.
Currently, she serves as an instructor for the Stanford Program on International and Cross-Cultural Education (SPICE) and as a staff pianist at the Colburn Conservatory of Music. As a Shigeru Kawai Artist, Dr. Hirata continues to inspire through her performances, teachings, and initiatives, bridging cultures and communities with her musical message. Her commitment to showcasing music’s role in emotional and societal healing is evident in every aspect of her career.