Keiko Abe is linked to the marimba the way Isaac Stern is linked to the violin, or Yo Yo Ma to the cello. She has given master classes at leading music conservatories in North America, Europe, and Asia.In addition, she has recorded extensively on the Denon label, and has received numerous awards, including being the first woman inducted into the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame. Abe is a Professor of Music at Toho Gauken School of Music in Tokyo, maintains a full schedule of composing and touring, and has released more than 20 recordings.

 Performer and composer Keiko Abe has played a key role in firmly establishing the marimba as a fully fledged concert instrument and her music has been played in recitals throughout the world. She was the first woman ever to be included in the Percussive Arts Society's Hall Of Fame in 1993 and her unique style and musical approach has enchanted audiences throughout the world for the past 30 years.  Keiko Abe works with students of percussion across the globe and counts the famed British percussionist Evelyn Glennie amongst her former pupils. A spokesman for Yamaha said " Keiko's music is a source of inspiration for all musicians as she continues to break new ground with her marimba playing. From its rather primitive origins Abe has transformed the instrument into a complete concert instrument. Anyone hearing her for the first time will be astonished by the sheer range of tone and dynamics that the marimba can produce".

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