bio
Ashley Keiko is a saxophonist, composer, singer/songwriter and entrepreneur who has studied classical piano, alto saxophone, and has taught music for many years. Ashley has performed at major venues such as the Apollo Theater in New York City and Wollongong University in Australia. She has also performed for Steve Harvey, on the nationally syndicated TV game show, Family Feud. Most recently, Ashley has toured cross-country with Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and musician, El DeBarge at the Hyatt Newport Beach Summer Concert Series, the ONE Music Festival and the R&B Groove Thang Concert Series at the Eaglebank Arena, Arie Crown Theater and the Stifel Theatre. Her debut album, “Pursuit of Harmony”, was released in 2020, which features Ashley’s originals and covers of classics, while displaying her smooth jazz saxophone tones across genres of hip hop, R&B, pop, and gospel. The album also features Ashley’s newly debuted soothing and serene vocals.
Ashley received her Masters in Music and Music Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. While at Columbia University, Ashley also studied abroad at The Arts College at Xiamen University, Fujian Province, China, where she practiced music and reflected on the ways in which culture, language, and the arts intersect in a trans-cultural world. Prior to her graduate coursework and study abroad, she received her Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Performance at School of Jazz at The New School.
Alongside her roles as performer, music educator and music advocate, Ashley expanded her music academy, Keiko Studios, in January 2018 with the grand opening of a store front location that caters to adults and children who aim to explore the importance of music and music expression. Ashley’s academy supports communities where opportunities for music education are limited. Since the opening, the academy has been featured on Now This News, PIX 11 News and has been recognized by both of Ashley’s alma maters.
Keiko Studios, located at 212-26 Jamaica Avenue, Queens Village, NY 11428, was inspired and created by Ashley Keiko in her pursuit to provide music education to her community and her exploration of the importance of music and how individuals can express themselves through it. The music academy formed when Ashley was just 14 years old and was operated out of her parents business, Zen Masters, Inc., in St. Albans, Queens, NY. Ashley's business, as well as her passion for music education, grew over the years and officially moved into its current location on January 2, 2018.
Keiko Studios is currently offering private lessons on piano, guitar, vocals, drums, violin, and saxophone. These lessons include music theory, sight reading, creative composing, weekly assignments, recitals and other performance opportunities. The music academy also provides group lessons on select instruments, ensembles, early childhood music classes, music theory workshops, and more! Music lessons extend beyond the Jamaica Avenue location by way of providing music programs to DOE, charter, and private schools. Professionally trained and highly skilled instructors teach music across NYC at schools who otherwise would not have this essential subject. Keiko Studios most recently has partnered with Fit4Dance to provide adult dance and fitness classes to Queens.
Aside from musical activities, Keiko Studios also has three event venues in the facility's elegant, spacious performance halls. The venue is available for rent to those interested in having events such as birthday parties, bridal showers, concerts, art exhibitions and more. The facility also provides office space and rehearsal studios for rent, and is in the process of remodeling one of those rooms to be a recording studio.
