A Japanese native Katsuko Tanaka moved to New York City in 2008 in order to immerse herself in the culture and traditions of American jazz music.  Since then, she has been privileged to share the stage with internationally acclaimed jazz musicians, leading her bands locally and abroad that have showcased artists like Victor Lewis, Lonnie Plaxico, Gene Jackson, and many upcoming young stellar in New York.  In 2009, she recorded her debut album BEYOND INTERSECTION, featuring Willie Jones III, Danton Boller, and a guest appearance by Antonio Hart.  The album contains her original compositions and was released in May 2010 when she received an MA in jazz piano performance from Queens College CUNY.  In August 2016, she released her sophomore album WISH BOARD which demonstrates her dynamic, elegant sound skillfully and soulfully accompanied by Corcoran Holt and Willie Jones III.  Katsuko carries with her blend of cultural perspectives that have continued to grow and evolve.  Her most recent album SUNLIGHT SKY showcases this unique viewpoint with Lonnie Plaxico, Willie Jones III, and a guest artist Takuya Kuroda. With a release date of June 8th, 2025, SUNLIGHT SKY is a strong follow-up that exhibits pianist and composer Katsuko Tanaka’s continuing musical and personal journey as she navigates the New York music scene.

Katsuko had taken classical piano lessons, sight reading, and ear training from the age of three at YAMAHA music school in Japan.   Continuing classical piano studies at acclaimed Osaka College of Music, an invitation to perform at JAPAN EXPO in California with Japanese jazz-fusion group Doppo & Azoth ignited her desire to live in the States.  She was honored with a Rotary International Foundation scholarship to pursue her study at California State University, Long Beach. 

While her classical piano performance was further awarded Jean Louise Boggess Scholarship, Mary E. Israel Scholarship, and State Paid Lessons, a chance meeting with live jazz changed her musical direction. Katsuko started to take private jazz lessons from Brad Mehldau, Kei Akagi, and Kenny Garrett.  She received her BA in classical piano performance from CSULB.

Currently, she performs for public and national jazz music projects as well as at prestigious jazz clubs all over in Japan and in NYC.  She is also an established class pianist in New York at various art institutions and universities, and has been serving as a church pianist/organist since 2008.  She is an enthusiastic piano and ensemble educator for all levels since 1989, and has been invited to master classes and jazz workshops at public schools and a conservatory with her jazz group in NYC and in Japan since 2013.