Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

I am a cellist and teacher based in the Northern New Jersey area and am the Chair of the Cello Department at the Thurnauer School of Music. I had my solo debut in 2008, performing with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic after winning first prize in the Virtuoso-in-Progress Concerto Competition. I'm interested in performing a variety of musical genres, and have made appearances at festivals such as the June in Buffalo Performance Institute for new music, the Chautauqua Institute, the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute, and am an alumna of the Perlman Music Program Chamber Music Workshop.

Passionate about pedagogy, I am registered for the complete Suzuki Cello Method by the Suzuki Association of the Americas and was the teaching assistant to Astrid Schween (cellist of the Juilliard String Quartet) at UMass Amherst. During my Doctoral studies, I focused on historical pedagogy: a dissertation and lecture-recital on the French cellist and pedagogue of the late-eighteenth century, Jean-Baptiste Bréval. I am continuing this research by making accessible recordings and scores of his pedagogical works for students.

​

What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

Summer is a wonderful time for musical education and LMC offers the perfect environment for young musicians to immerse themselves in music while surrounded by like-minded peers. Everyone is inspired by the passionate energy for learning and the excitement of summertime!

​

What can campers expect to learn while working with you this summer?

My teaching philosophy is based on the balance of refining technique and developing a student's sense of musicianship. In lessons, we will work on practicing efficiently and learn strategies to become self-assured when tackling a difficult passage, continue building a strong foundation for technique, and develop a student's voice on the cello. I believe in a nurturing and supportive teaching approach that helps a student to feel comfortable in an environment like a summer camp.

Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

I live in New York City, where I am head of the chamber music program and cello department at Silver Music and am also faculty at the Diller Quaile School of Music. I began studying piano, but immediately fell in love with the sound of the cello. Since then, I have participated in many international chamber music festivals including Ravinia (USA), Ameropa (Prague), Lake Lugano (Switzerland), Dark Music Days (Iceland) and I have collaborated and studied with chamber musicians including members of the Vermeer, Martinu and Juilliard String Quartets. 

​

What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

I remember going to chamber music camp as a young teenager. The musicians and teachers I met there have become lifelong friends. I was so motivated coming home from camp and counting the days until I would return! I'm excited to be a part of that community again. The program at Luzerne includes everything needed to provide a rich, musical summer! 

​

What can campers expect to learn while working with you this summer?

I focus on giving students the tools needed to become confident in the practice room. I will help them learn to take apart difficult sections and choose ways to effectively work on it. Equally important, I will help them find ownership of the music by bringing their personal experiences and feelings into the piece! 

Share with us some of your professional accomplishments.

I am a cellist, educator, photographer, and content creator whose work spans classical performance, chamber music, Broadway, recording, and genre-crossing projects. I hold both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, where I studied with Richard Aaron.

​

I am a founding member of the genre-bending ensemble Empire Wild, a recipient of the 2020 Concert Artists Guild Ambassador Prize. I have performed in a wide range of settings, including Broadway productions, major concert venues, international tours, and collaborations with artists across classical and popular music. I am also the creator of JHMJams, a long-running collaborative pop cover video series that has featured hundreds of musicians and reached millions of viewers online.

​

As an educator, I have taught students of many ages and backgrounds through private teaching, chamber music coaching, and faculty positions at several music programs and preparatory schools. I am especially passionate about helping students build strong technical foundations while developing confidence, curiosity, and an individual musical voice. For more information, visit https://www.kenjameskubota.com/

 

What excites you about Luzerne Music Center?

I am excited by the way Luzerne Music Center combines high-level musical training with the warmth, community, and sense of adventure of a true summer camp. Young musicians grow not only through lessons and rehearsals, but also through friendships, shared experiences, collaboration, and the opportunity to be immersed in music every day.

​

I am especially drawn to LMC’s emphasis on courage, resilience, kindness, and personal growth. Those values are deeply connected to becoming a strong musician. Learning to take risks, respond constructively to challenges, support others, and remain curious are skills that students can carry far beyond the practice room.

​

I am also looking forward to becoming part of a close-knit faculty community and contributing to an environment where students can work seriously, feel supported, and genuinely enjoy making music together.

 

What can campers expect to learn while working with you this summer?​

Campers can expect a supportive but focused approach that helps them become more confident, expressive, and independent musicians. We will work on practical aspects of cello playing such as sound production, posture, bow technique, intonation, rhythm, and efficient practice strategies, while always connecting those skills to musical expression.

​

I want students to understand not only what to improve, but also how to solve problems for themselves. We will explore how to listen more carefully, make clear artistic choices, prepare effectively for rehearsals and performances, and recover constructively when something does not go as planned.

​

Most importantly, campers can expect a lesson environment where they are encouraged to be curious, take thoughtful risks, ask questions, and bring their own personality to the music. My goal is for each student to leave the summer playing with greater freedom, confidence, and excitement.