Kiyoko Yamaoka

Kiyoko Yamaoka was born in Kagoshima, Japan. She began to play Classical Piano when she was 5. She began to perform in concert halls at age 7 in Kyoto, Osaka in Japan. She also played the alto saxphone in the brass band in junior and senior high school from 1987 to 1993. During this time, the brass band received the Gold Award each year at Kyoto Contest in Japan.

After graduating from high school, she went on to study nursing in the Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine. When she graduated, she formed an a cappella band and performed all over the Kansai Area in Japan while simultaneously working as a nurse. Inspired by her performances, Kiyoko began singing to her patients and was overwhelmed by their reaction. When she saw them crying she realized the great power music has to move people's hearts. She decided to leave her nursing career and pursue her passion for music. At that time, she joined the most well-known Japanese Gospel Choir the "Naniwa Black peppers" in 2000. The Gospel Choir received the Gospel Award in 2003, Osaka, Japan.

Kiyoko was inspired by the director of the choir to study Jazz and Gospel in the U.S. She entered Berklee College of Music in the Summer of 2005 and graduated in December 2007. Kiyoko earned a Bachelor's degree in Jazz Composition within two and half years. Kiyoko had her own Big Band concert featuring her original compositions and arrangements.

Kiyoko moved to Harlem, New Yrok City, in 2008, where she energetically continues to sing African American music. She desires to combine African American and Japanese music, while performing as a singer and pianist. She is a regular member of the "Voices of Canaan Cnoir" and the "Canaan Mass Choir" at Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. In 2008, she performed at United Nation Plaza in New york, and also performed at jazz clubs, and churches in Harlem and the New York Area. In January 2009, she released her first CD "Kiyoko in harlem" featuring Alex Layne, Lou Rainnone, Stu Cutler, and John P.Cooksey. She is now performing at Jazz Clubs i.e. St. Nicholas Pub, Lenox Lounge, Minton's Playhouse, to name a few.