Percussionist · Educator · Longmont, CO
Chihiro
Shibayama.
Juilliard-trained percussionist. Broadway veteran. Now offering world-class private percussion lessons in Longmont, Colorado — and online worldwide.
"…impressive soloist…"
— The New York Times
"The goal isn't to play the notes. It's to understand why they matter."
On teaching
About
A life devoted
to percussion.
Native of Yokohama, Japan, Chihiro Shibayama is a versatile freelance percussionist and educator now based in Longmont, Colorado. Her career spans Broadway, opera, symphony, new music, and television — shaped by over two decades of performing and teaching at the highest levels.
She holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees from The Juilliard School and has spent over two decades performing and teaching at the highest levels of the profession.
Full biography →Performer
Broadway, Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, symphonies, new music ensembles, and television across the US and internationally.
Educator
20+ years of private teaching, former faculty at Diller-Quaile and Third Street Music School, and Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar.
Arts Advocate
Co-founder of MuSE (Multicultural Sonic Evolution), a non-profit creating multicultural environments through music and the arts.
Selected
performances.
View all media →Miss Saigon
Broadway Run · March 2017 – January 2018
Metropolitan Opera
On-stage drummer · La bohème
Carnegie Hall
Weill Recital Hall & Timpanist
Good Morning America
"Glory" with John Legend & Common
Santa Fe Opera
On-stage soloist · Tan Dun's "TEA"
The Cherry Orchard
Broadway debut · Roundabout Theatre Co.
Kansas City Symphony
Orchestral percussionist
Alarm Will Sound
Innovative 20-piece new music ensemble
World-class lessons,
right here in
Longmont.
Juilliard-trained percussion instruction for students of all ages — from first-time beginners to pre-college aspirants. In-person in Longmont, CO or online worldwide.
Why study with me
- 01
Juilliard pedigree — A Bachelor's and Master's from the world's most prestigious conservatory — and over a decade on New York City's most demanding stages.
- 02
Real professional experience — Broadway. The Metropolitan Opera. Carnegie Hall. Good Morning America. 25+ years of performing at the highest level.
- 03
Whole-musician approach — Every lesson weaves in rhythm literacy, ear training, music theory, and performance mindset. Students learn to think like musicians.
- 04
Intentionally small roster — I keep my student list small on purpose. Real relationships, consistent scheduling, and lessons genuinely tailored to each student.
Ready to start? Let's talk first.
Book a free 15-minute call →From the studio
Recent writing.
Is Where You Live Holding Your Music Career Back?
Most musicians obsess over the things they can practice. But there's one factor that quietly shapes a career more than almost anything else — and most people don't think about it until it's too late: location.
Read post →March 24, 2021Test of Time Challenge!
You might have noticed that I've been updating the blog less frequently. It's because I started a new job on March 1st! Having a "good time" is essential to becoming a high-level musician.
Read post →February 23, 2021How to Prepare for your First Rehearsal — Step by Step Guide
I was very fortunate to have an in-person performance opportunity this past weekend — playing 5 concerti with just one rehearsal. Here's exactly how I prepared.
Read post →