Shion Yamakawa

Shion Yamakawa is an active violinist in the Portland area. She serves as a concertmaster at the Jewish Community Orchestra of Portland and principal second violinist with the Willamette Falls Symphony. In addition, Shion plays with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in Washington and is a member of Columbia River Strings. She is also an avid chamber musician, performing regularly with her colleagues.

Shion had the privilege of studying violin with Carrie Rehkopf, Jae-In Shin, Tomás Cotik, Carol Sindell, Scott Flavin, and Vali Phillips. Furthermore, she was fortunate to have masterclasses with Charles Castleman, Bella Hristova, Hamilton Cheifetz, David Salness, William Fedkenheuer, Andréa Tyniec, Melissa White, Takács Quartet, Brentano String Quartet, and Pavel Haas String Quartet.

Aside from performing, Shion is passionate about music education and offers violin lessons at her home studio in downtown Portland. She has also served as a violin instructor with several organizations, including Metropolitan Youth Symphony and Central Washington University Preparatory String Program.

Shion earned her Master’s degree in Music with a specialization in violin performance from Portland State University. Prior to that, she completed her Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a focus on Instrumental Specialization at Central Washington University. In addition to her formal education, Shion has undergone extensive training in the Alexander Technique, studying under the guidance of renowned instructors Eve Bernfeld and Rebecca Robbins.

Shion’s dedication and talent have been recognized through various endowed scholarships she has received. These scholarships serve as a testament to her exceptional abilities and commitment to her musical pursuits.

The violin section is sponsored by the Anne Emery Kyllo Fund.