Masayuki Tayama

Masayuki Tayama has been hailed as ‘A rare and extraordinary virtuoso, with musicianship like no other’. His spectacular performances and breath-taking interpretations have stunned audiences around the world as a recitalist and concerto soloist. Tayama’s Wigmore Hall debut early in his career was a sell-out, and he continues to appear regularly at eminent London venues including Queen Elizabeth Hall, Cadogan Hall and St. John’s Smith Square.

‘...Tayama had everything: technique in abundance and a profound understanding of the totality of this masterpiece. His was a compelling, engrossing and thrilling reading.’

- Robert Matthew-Walker, Classical Source

He has earned an enviable reputation as a Rachmaninov specialist and is currently in the midst of a project to record all of the composer’s solo works for piano, a venture which has been met with critical acclaim.

‘...This is Rachmaninov playing not only to be considered as a fresh departure from other fine pianists of the present day, but daring... Somewhat akin to a kind of Horowitz approach, maybe, and also with a few touches of genius.'

- Bill Newman, Musical Opinion

In addition to his Rachmaninov project, he has embarked upon a project recording Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas alongside creating detailed pegagogical videos for each ofthem.

Tayama’s illustrious performing career has led to invitations from various highly prestigious institutions to teach and to adjudicate. From 2010 to 2017, he taught First Study pianists at Chetham’s School of Music, Britain’s largest specialist music school. He is a Professor at the Elmitt Piano Academy and is also a registered adjudicator with the European Piano Teachers Association. In 2020, he was appointed Director of The Piano Teachers’ Course UK, the country’s leading professional development course for piano teachers.

His latest project, The Piano Boat, is the country’s only specially-designed floating concert venue offering musical experiences and holidays on England's inland waterways. After delivering a series of online concerts during the lockdown, it opened in July 2021. More information on the project and events is available here.

Author links

Featured content

Playing Together - Etiquette and Tips for Duet Playing

These videos, based on content from the Piano Teachers’ Course UK, provide a demonstration of the “do’s and don’ts” of duet playing. Using Mozart’s Five Variations K501 as a practical example, the videos illustrate the various challenges that arise, including pedalling, page turning and getting in each other’s way in... Read >>


Beate Toyka, Masayuki Tayama Teaching

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 1 in F Minor

(Op. 2 No. 1)

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s first piano sonata in F minor, Op. 2 No. 1. In these eighteen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>


Masayuki Tayama Learning pieces Beethoven

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 2 in A Major

(Op. 2 No. 2)

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s second piano sonata in A major, Op. 2 No. 2. In these twenty videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>


Masayuki Tayama Learning pieces Beethoven

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 3 in C Major

(Op. 2 No. 3)

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s second piano sonata in C major, Op. 2 No. 3. In these seventeen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>


Masayuki Tayama, Graham Fitch Learning pieces Beethoven

Beethoven on Board - Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major

(Op. 7)

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s fourth sonata in E-flat major, Op. 7. In these eighteen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>


Masayuki Tayama, Graham Fitch Learning pieces Beethoven