Praised by The Washington Post for her “mesmerizing” and “stirring” performances, JIJI is an adventurous guitarist known for her virtuosity and command of diverse repertoire. Equally at home with both acoustic and electric guitar, her concert programs range from traditional and contemporary classical to free improvisation.
Through her compelling musicianship and stage presence, JIJI has solidified her reputation as a top 21st century guitarist. In recent seasons, JIJI has presented solo recitals at Carnegie Hall; Lincoln Center; 92nd Street Y; and the National Art Gallery, among other distinguished venues. In 2016, she became the first guitarist in 30 years to secure first prize in the Concert Artists Guild Competition.
JIJI’s 2024-2025 season demonstrates her range and versatility on her chosen instrument. She performs with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, and Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra. Other season highlights include her debut with the Seattle Symphony, a performance at the Isabella Stewart Gardner, and an appearance with the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park, FL.
JIJI has also gained a reputation as a sought-after concerto soloist. Equally fluent in classical and contemporary genres, her premieres of new guitar concertos continue to break new ground. Over the last five years alone, JIJI has premiered major concertos by composers Steven Mackey, Natalie Dietterich, Hilary Purrington, and Krists Auznieks.
A committed educator, JIJI is Associate Professor of Music in Guitar at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She has presented master classes and workshops extensively, including at the Peabody Institute, Yale University, and Dublin’s National Concert Hall, among many others.
In addition to advocating for the music of her contemporaries, JIJI also performs and records many of her own works, and she continues to develop her distinctive compositional voice. During her spare time, JIJI enjoys cooking and creating weird sounds on Ableton.