ASHLEY KEIKO
Musician and Entrepreneur
SHORT BIO
Extraordinary, soulful, and multi-talented musician, Ashley Keiko, has been showcasing her smooth jazz saxophone tones across genres of Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, and Gospel worldwide.
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.
MUSIC
VIDEOS
BRAND PARTNERS
Every musician knows that finding the right mouthpiece for your instrument can be a challenge. Partnering with Theo Wanne makes it so easy to find the perfect one! These legendary mouthpieces allow the user to play more freely throughout registers and allows more room for creativity and dynamic expression. Ashley has relied on Theo Wanne mouthpieces for years to produce her quality sound and now you can find your sound too! Use discount code "KEIKO" for 20% off of your next purchase!
"When I started using my Theo Wanne Earth mouthpiece I felt so liberated!"
(2022)
The opportunity to work with an ethical clothing brand like LEE was so rewarding for Ashley. This campaign was dedicated to International Women's Month,' a celebration of female entrepreneurship. Ashley shared her unique story with LEE and demonstrated how different fabrics can tell all kinds of different empowering stories!
"My passion for music and giving back to my community is what fuels my entrepreneurial spirit. As an entrepreneur, having a top-notch school with quality programming in the community fills a huge void. Music is a universal language and I believe in its positive impact on the human soul. As an entrepreneur, I'm truly making a difference in the lives of others."
(2022)
Ashley is proud to have been a part of the #ShineDifferent campaign from 'Creme of Nature.' Along with other empowered women, Ashley demonstrated her musical talent and beauty with Creme of Nature's excellent hair care products that are made for all kinds of natural hair. Ashley is honored to be a part of the #ShineDifferent community.
"As a brand, we are inspired not only by the achievements that our curl-friends make in connection to their haircare journeys .. we are also inspired by those in our base who is captivating so many by walking in their true purpose. The problem is that many of these special people are sometimes unsung in popular media .... we're here to change that!" - 'Cream of Nature'
(2021)
Yamaha Music is the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer and to be partnered with its brand is a prestige Ashley holds dear. Yamaha’s saxophones lend themselves to a “combination of expressiveness, response and control” elevating Ashley’s voice as a musician. Ashley demonstrates the expressiveness and beautiful tone quality of the YAS82ZII model in a series of short videos made for Yamaha’s TikTok platform.
“I love the freedom and flexibility my YAS82ZII gives me. The intonation across all registers of the saxophone is top notch, which allows me to move freely without any inhibition.”
(2022)
PRESS
"Keiko's work has evolved dramatically over the years. "For many years I taught private piano/saxophone lessons to students of all ages and recalled being hands-on with my teaching style at countless schools, concert and jazz bands, general music ed, choir, and more," she says. "Now, I oversee 14 instructors with over 130 students and focus on big picture projects."
(2022)
TESTIMONIALS
Former Mayor Bill De Blasio (left) Ashley Keiko (middle) Eric Gonzalez (right)
"The musical performances [by Ashley Keiko] is what made the day, and made this a beautiful moment that will always be remembered. So God bless you and thank you so much for blessing us with your performance, your brilliance and your creativity."
— Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
(Eighth Congressional District of New York)
Ashley Keiko (left) Mayor Eric Adams (right)
"One of the highlights was Ashley on the saxophone, always great. This music that always touches our hearts; she delivers it in a way that is just inspiring. Just really happy to once again be in the presence of her music, her energy, and the happiness that she brings to all of us as she entertains us at these events."
— New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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.
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