Q&A with Ayano Nakamura ’25MM ’26MMA
Violist Ayano Nakamura ’25MM ’26MMA recently earned second place at the Washington International Competition. Here, she discusses the rigorous preparation process, the challenges she faced, and the valuable insights she gained along the way.
Q: How did you get started with the viola, and what inspired you to pursue it seriously?
I started on the violin at age four and transitioned to the viola when I was around 14. For a long time, music was just a hobby I enjoyed, but the summer before my senior year of high school, something shifted. I realized that playing the viola was where I felt most myself — most comfortable, most curious, and most connected to others. That’s when I knew I wanted to pursue music seriously.
Q: Did you encounter any challenges while preparing for the competition? Did you have any breakthroughs?
The biggest challenge for me was the mental aspect of preparing for something so unfamiliar. I had no idea what to expect going into the competition, and that uncertainty led to a lot of self-doubt. But as I worked through the preparation process, I began to trust myself more. I grew in ways that went beyond just refining my playing — I became more confident and grounded as a performer. By the time the semifinal and final rounds came around, I was able to truly enjoy performing.
Q: What did you perform? What drew you to the pieces you chose for the competition?
This was my first time participating in a competition, so the entire experience was new — and honestly a bit intimidating. But what made the Washington Competition stand out to me right away was the freedom we had in programming. Unlike many competitions that provide a specific list of repertoire to choose from, WIC’s flexible guidelines allowed me to craft a program that felt very personal and meaningful.
I chose to perform the Elgar Cello Concerto, Grieg Violin Sonata No. 3, Bach Suite No. 5 in scordatura, the Vivace from Reger Suite No. 2, and Take What You Need by Reena Esmail. Each piece felt like a snapshot of a different stage in my journey, and together they showed how much I’ve evolved as a musician at Yale.
Q: How has your time at YSM shaped your growth as a musician, or helped you get ready for this?
I recently completed my Master’s at the Yale School of Music, where I study viola with Ettore Causa. I’ll be staying one more year for the Master of Musical Arts (MMA) program. My studies at Yale have been about more than just technical growth — they’ve helped me learn how to express myself more honestly and connect more deeply through music. This competition was a meaningful way to reflect on all of that — to see where I’ve been and to imagine where I might go next.
