According to Dr. Yukiko Ishida, an associate vocal/music instructor and the director of the concert chorale at Neumann University, “Everyone who has a voice can polish their instrument and create music if they wish to.” That is what Dr. Ishida, believes.
Born in Kumamoto, Japan, Ishida received her Bachelor of Music degree in piano education from Kunitachi College of Music in Tokyo. After studying with Dr. Elizabeth Vandasper in London, she moved to the United States for graduate studies, earning a master’s degree in voice at Temple University, and a doctorate in musical arts from Combs College of Music.
Ishida continued to learn by practicing and studying vocals with David Lofton, a vocal coach and conductor who graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music. Lofton continues to occasionally be a part of Ishida’s performances, and he even conducted the Spring 2024 Neumann Choir Concert.
Ishida’s distinct coloratura soprano voice has won her numerous awards, such as the Combs College Centennial Award, the Liberace Competition, the Cascarino Memorial Competition, the Mario Lanza Competition, and the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe’s vocal solo performance. Ishida has also released two albums: American Jewels and World Music Standard Collection with the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra. She also made the CD “Amazing Grace: A Prayer,” which she gives to students who complete her courses.
Performance has remained a very important part of Ishida’s life, as both an instructor and a singer. She worked as a vocal instructor for an International Chamber Festival in Evian, France, which ended up performing all over the world. She also appeared as a soloist with the Czech National Orchestra, the St. Giles Orchestra, the Sapporo Symphony Orchestra, the National Philharmonic, and the Delaware County Symphony Orchestra.
Ishida explained that the “toughest days of her life” were when she was dealing with a tough battle against breast cancer, which momentarily stopped her career. She was, thankfully, able to overcome this and remains just as active as she was previously.
Along with continuing to instruct at Neumann, Ishida is currently the minister of music at Union United Methodist Church in Havertown and serves as ambassador of Hakodate City, Japan.
In summer of 2024, Ishida returned home to visit her mother in Japan. During this trip, she witnessed three different earthquakes that hit Japan throughout the summer.
“While I was glad to return to my home country, the earthquakes and rough airport travel made me excited to return to the United States,” she said.
Since returning home, Ishida has begun preparing for the winter choir concert, which occurs every year around the holiday season. This year in particular, Ishida has “special new material” prepared for the concert.
Former student of Ishida’s and Neumann University graduate Hayden Brown will be returning to the school to perform for this year’s concert.
“It was an honor to be Dr. Yuki’s former pupil. She was able to make singing fun while altering my opinion on it. Her influence has enhanced my ability to sing.” said Brown.
The concert will be held on November 22, 2024. The choir features students, alumni, and special guests.
