Rin Ozaki is a marimbist and percussionist from Tokyo, Japan. She is a graduate of the Toho Gakuen School of Music where she studied with Keiko Abe and received degrees in marimba and percussion performance. Rin has studied with Gordon Stout in Ithaca NY, and also holds a master’s degree in percussion performance from the University at Buffalo.
As a participant in World Marimba Competitions, Rin gained widespread recognition for her solo performances. In 1996 she was invited to perform on the live radio broadcast of the final concert at the World Marimba Competition in Stuttgart, Germany. In 1999, Rin was a finalist at the Second World Marimba Competition in Okaya, Japan. Rin also won the audition for a solo recital concert series entitled ‘Fresh Artists from Yokosuka’ in Yokosuka, Japan 2003.
Rin has performed a variety of solo recitals and international concerts. While in Buffalo Rin performed with the Slee Sinfonietta Chamber Ensemble and performed solo marimba for a live radio broadcast on WBFO NY in 2000. She also performed in the final concert of "Acadamie Musicale de Villcroze" in France 2005.
While participating in the June in Buffalo Music Festival from 2001-2004, she performed the world premiere of Alan Chan’s “Floes” (2003), and the United States premiere of Cort Lippe’s “Music for Marimba and Computer” (2004). She has recorded with the June in Buffalo Orchestra, for the XXI Century Brass Ensemble’s “Metalofonico”, and for trumpet player Jon Nelson’s “Gran Calavera Electrica”.
Rin has presented marimba masterclasses at Universities throughout the United States and at the Percussion Arts Society Western New York Day of Percussion. She has also taught at University at Buffalo 2007-2009. She currently teaches in Tokyo Japan.
