Naomi Onda, piano
About the Artist
Naomi Onda is a concert pianist whose exceptional musical journey began at an early age. She entered the special music theory program at Osaka College of Music in the first grade of elementary school, mastering the entire curriculum within just four years. During high school, she joined the advanced ear training program at Miyagi Gakuin University in Sendai, where she received intensive training. Naomi went on to continue her studies at Osaka University of Arts, earning her master’s degree in music. She received the Sakai Newcomer Award and, while living in Japan, gave numerous performances as part of a piano duo. In 2004, Naomi moved to the United States. Showcasing her unique gift for improvisation, she expanded her repertoire to include jazz, pop, and classical music, and worked as a professional accompanist for Broadway casting auditions in New York City. She has performed in prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center and DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City. Her notable concerts include a solo performance of Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin (2016), a piano and violin duo concert An Evening of Francis Poulenc (2018), and a chamber ensemble performance of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du soldat (2019). In recent years, Naomi has focused primarily on improvisational performance. In 2025, she gave a highly acclaimed concert at the Royal Kensington Central Library in London, captivating the audience with her original style, including works such as the London Bridge Variations and 2026 Royal Kensington Central Library with her group “WOWNY.”
Her original album From Manhattan is also available nationwide and on major streaming services. Naomi has been active as an accompanist for the National Competition, Connecticut schools, and Dance Adventure. She previously taught at Riverside School of Music, and now runs her own private studio, where her specialized teaching program has attracted significant attention and a dedicated following in Connecticut. In 2023, she received international recognition for her teaching, when her student Shuya van Dooijeweert won first prize at the IPPA Conero International Piano Festival & Competition, earning the opportunity to perform in Italy. Naomi traveled with her student to present him in the final round.
In 2024, her group “WOWNY” released their debut single “Hanabira Namida” — a heartfelt ballad that captures the beauty and sorrow of fleeting love. The group finished a multi-song recording in NYC in 2026. Look for it on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, AWA, Line Music, iTunes, and other platforms.
Naomi is currently the assistant artistic director of Concert & Cake USA. She performs regularly in London, Tokyo, New York City and Greenwich.
