Kohei is currently the principal bassist of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra and regularly performs in ensembles and orchestras throughout the New England area. Before moving to Connecticut for his graduate studies, he was a member of the double bass section in the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra and toured Japan with the 2015, 2016, and 2017 Pacific Music Festival Orchestra playing under the direction of music director and conductor, Valery Gergiev. His most recent memorable performances include being a member of the Yale University School of Music’s Yale in New York concert series at Carnegie Hall for which he performed in chamber ensemble arrangements of Bruckner’s 7th Symphony and Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale. He has also performed as a member of the United Nations Chamber Music Society at Carnegie Hall and for their virtual performance events.

As an educator, Kohei has had extensive experience teaching string students of all ages. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Kohei had the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in teaching techniques under Dr. Robert Gillespie of The Ohio State University. As a teaching artist in Yale’s Music in the Schools Initiative program, he taught at several of New Haven public school district’s string ensemble classes as well as the New Haven All-City Honors String Ensembles. After graduating from Yale, Kohei continues to coach bass sectionals for youth orchestras throughout Connecticut.

Kohei earned his B.M. in Double Bass Performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance studying under Diana Gannett and Stephen Molina and his M.M. and M.M.A. from the Yale University School of Music studying under Donald Palma. He currently lives in New Haven with his partner, Winona, and their three dogs, Marble, Thistle, and Clover.