with Josh Nelson(piano) “Danny Boy” (as a flutist)
with Josh Nelson “You Know I Care” (as a flutist)
with Megtaro (as a bassist)
Shota Ishikawa(flutist, bassist, arranger and composer)
Shota Ishikawa, a versatile musician with expertise in flute, bass, arrangement, and composition, was born into a musically inclined family in Kobe, Japan. His deep connection to music began at a young age, and he embarked on a journey of musical exploration.
At the tender age of 5, Shota started his musical education with the piano. However, his fascination with the saxophone and flute, the instruments played by his father, Masayoshi Ishikawa, ignited his curiosity. At 12, he ventured into learning the flute, which paved the way for his subsequent acquaintance with various woodwind instruments such as the saxophone, clarinet, and oboe.
Seeking new artistic horizons, Shota expanded his repertoire at 16 by delving into the world of bass. Under the tutelage of Yoshiro Kanda for fundamentals and Kazuhiro Sumi, who drew inspiration from the legendary George Mraz, Shota honed his skills on the bass. Reflecting on his experience, Shota acknowledges the profound impact of Mr. Sumi’s teachings, which formed the core of Mraz’s style and greatly influenced his own musical journey. With his passion for music fueling his dedication, Shota began his professional career as a bassist during his high school years.
In 2007, Shota’s talent earned him the prestigious “Berklee Asian Scholarship” (BAS), granting him the opportunity to study abroad at Berklee College of Music in the United States. Immersed in the vibrant musical environment, he pursued a double major in Performance and Jazz Composition, completing the program in an impressive three and a half years, well ahead of the original five-year duration. Throughout his college years, Shota showcased his musical prowess, earning accolades such as the Outstanding Performer Award in Performance and the Charles Mingus Award in Jazz Composition. Simultaneously, he delved into classical flute fundamentals under the guidance of Turkish flutist Burak Besir, who became an influential figure and cherished friend in his musical journey.
A dream come true, Shota finally crossed paths with his hero, George Mraz, in 2007. Over the years, their relationship deepened, and Mraz recognized Shota as his disciple, an unforgettable and cherished moment in Shota’s life. Recounting this milestone, Shota expresses his immense gratitude for the opportunity to study under his idol and to connect with his musical vision and personal philosophy.
After graduating from Berklee, Shota relocated to New York City and obtained an O-1 Visa. He unleashed his talents in composition and arrangement, captivating audiences with his innovative musical endeavors. Notably, he arranged music for the Boston World Flute Ensemble and performed as a guest flutist, including a remarkable jazz-style arrangement of Ibert’s Flute Concerto, a request from Burak Besir.
As a bassist, Shota graced prestigious jazz clubs such as NY Birdland and performed at historical and artistic venues like the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Enriched by these unforgettable experiences, he returned to Japan in 2013.
Back in his home country, Shota collaborated with renowned musicians from both Japan and abroad, including
Despite a demanding schedule, Shota’s creative spirit remained undeterred. In 2018, he formed the Flute Chamber Quartet “RHMS,” showcasing his multifaceted talents as a flutist, bassist, composer, and arranger, constantly evolving and exploring new musical frontiers.
