A brilliant and engaging violinist, Takeshi Abo’s playing has been praised by critics as "Angelic" and "Breathtakingly beautiful.” He regularly performs throughout the United States and Japan, with recent appearances as soloist in concertos by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, and Brahms. An active orchestral violinist, Abo has performed as Concertmaster with many orchestras, and currently holds that position with both the Alma and Midland Symphony Orchestras.
Dr. Abo is Visiting Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Alma College in Michigan. He has served as Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at Central Michigan University, and has taught at Albion College, Interlochen Arts Camp and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. A founding member of the Emerald Isle String Haven, a summer camp for adult string players, Takeshi Abo also founded the Alma String Day Camp.
Along with teaching at collegiate institutions, Abo maintains a private studio where he educates violinists of the next generation. His students have been accepted at Indiana University, New York University, De Paul University, Brigham Young University, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Central Michigan University, among others.
Dr. Abo earned his bachelor's degree at Kyoto City University of Arts in Japan. He continued his study at Michigan State University, where he completed master's and doctoral degrees. He has studied with Yuji Tougi, Yukiko Igarashi, Yuko Iwatani, Mari Nishizono, Misako Kameda, Joseph Fuchs, and Robert Dan.