Nancy Yamagata (Chamber Music Coordinator, Cello) began cello studies in Los Angeles with Eleonore Sehoenfetd at the age of ten. She holds a degree in Music Education from the University of Southern California where she was given the Alumni Association Award for the Outstanding Graduate of 1978. Nancy has concertized extensively as a chamber musician with the Young International Trio, which won first prizes in the 1974 and 1975 Coleman Chamber Music Competition. In 1986, Nancy was awarded the SHAR Distinguished Young Teachers Award at the Suzuki Teachers Conference in Chicago. She has been an SAA registered Teacher Trainer since 1985 and has taught at numerous Institutes and workshops throughout the U.S and Canada. Nancy is currently on the faculty of the Colburn School of Performing Arts in Los Angeles. She is a founding member of the Marina Ensemble.