Long Okada

Biography:

Long Okada is a violist and baroque violinist, currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, and enjoys a varied career as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and teacher.

A passionate advocate for the performance of British music, Long frequently programs works for viola by British composers in his recitals. He has a particular interest in the folksong revival in the early 20th century and how it shaped the classical music landscape, particularly works for string instruments, in Great Britain. 

An active chamber musician, Long plays with flutist Nicholas Southwick in Duo Gwynne, which held an Artist Fellowship with Music for Food in the concert season 2023-2024. The Duo made their concert debut at the historic St. Botolph without Aldgate in the City of London, England, and subsequently enjoyed many performance engagements in the United Kingdom and the United States, notably celebrating the coronation of King Charles III at the Church of Holy Cross, St Pancras. He has also appeared in music festivals around the world including Composers Now, Domaine Forget, Manchester Music Festival, Summer in Aldgate, and Zephyr International Chamber Music Festival. 

Long holds a Bachelor of Music degree from New York University and a Master of Music degree from the Royal Academy of Music in London. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. His principal teachers include Danielle Farina, Karen Ritscher, Sarah Darling, Jane Atkins and Martin Outram. 

When not involved with music, Long enjoys swimming, visiting antique stores, and volunteering and serving at a local Episcopal church.

Teaching Philosophy:

I firmly believe in encouraging students to think critically through open-ended questions and provide the impetus and knowledge for them to get creative with their music. I also strive to build an atmosphere of patience, trust, and empathy so that students feel comfortable taking risks and learn to celebrate the process as they acquire skills of music-making. 

As well as providing a rigorous study of technical exercises and violin, viola, or chamber music repertoire, I make a point of including ear training, sight-reading, and body percussion to build a well-rounded musical foundation. I hold a professional teaching diploma, Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music (LRAM), and my pedagogical approach is drawn from my teachers as well as established methods including those of Simon Fischer, Shinichi Suzuki and Karen Tuttle. 

Education:

New York University: New York

Bachelor of Music

Royal Academy of Music: London

Master of Music and Licentiate in Professional Pedagogy

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

Postgraduate Diploma