Japanese-American violinist Ryo Usami has appeared around the world as a versatile musician. He has performed violin and viola alongside members of the Brentano Quartet, Orion Quartet, Philadelphia Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic, and has appeared in masterclasses led by Gil Shaham, Johnny Gandelsman, Rainer Kuchl, Gordon Nikolic, and Stephan Picard. Ryo is currently a member of “The President’s Own” US Marine Band in Washington DC and regularly performs at the White House and other important government venues. He simultaneously serves as principal second violin of the Santa Barbara Symphony. Prior to joining the Marine Band, Ryo had performed with the San Diego Symphony, Pacific Symphony, Hollywood Studio Orchestra, Boston Pops Orchestra, Charleston Symphony, and Harrisburg Symphony. He also participated in the Colorado (Boulder), Orchestra of the Americas, Dali, Pacific (Japan), and Aurora (Sweden) Music Festivals. Ryo received a Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Conservatory. Notable instructors and mentors include Ayano Ninomiya, Violaine Melancon, Simeon Simeonov, and Akiko Hirose Silver.