Ayako Oshima, winner of numerous international competitions, is one of the most popular clarinet soloists in Japan where she performs on a regular basis both in recital and in concerto appearances with orchestra. Festivals in which she has participated include the Sarasota Summer Music Festival in Florida, the Festival Consonances in France, and in Japan at the Mt. Fuji and the Kirishima International Music Festival. Ms. Oshima is a member of the award winning chamber ensemble, Contrasts Quartet. In addition to her performing career, she maintains a high profile as a teacher and is on the faculties of The Juilliard School, the State University of New York at Purchase, and The Hartt School. She has kept her connection with the Toho School and gives regular master classes there. She has also served on the juries of both the Japan Music Competition and the Japan Winds and Percussion International Competitions. With her husband, Charles Neidich, she has written a book on the basics of clarinet technique for the publisher Toa Ongaku Inc. and has founded the Kita Karuizawa Music Seminar.