Known for rich and expressive playing, Ms. Aoyama has mastered a large body of piano repertoire, including solo, chamber, and orchestral works. She has performed extensively in Europe and her native Japan, and last year played in New York as part of a joint recital between American and Japanese artists.

Beginning her piano studies at age six, she later entered the Piano Department of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts & Music. Upon graduation she enrolled in the Universität der Kunst in Berlin, where she studied under Hans Reichert. Later she moved to Switzerland and the Conservatoire de Musique de Genève, studying piano under Louis Hiltbrand, and chamber music with Doris Rossiaud, who praised her as the best chamber player she had ever taught.

Among her most recent Carnegie Hall performances is a solo recital of works by Chopin and Schubert. She is a frequent guest artist with Alexander & Buono International, and often partners with Cosmo Buono in four hand repertoire. She has also performed as part of The Annual ABC Gala, and was appointed Staff Collaborative Pianist for the Festival in 2009.