Itsuko began her piano studies at the age of 4 with Mrs. Shizuko Suzuki (Dr. Suzuki’s sister in law), continuing her studies at Toho Gakuen College of Music and The International Academy of the Suzuki Method with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, Dr. Haruko Kataoka and Mr. Toshio Takahashi.

At a young age, she performed as a soloist at the National Convention of Suzuki Method, various graduation concerts as well as making recordings for ‘The introduction of Suzuki Method’. In addition to performing, Itsuko has attended various summer schools, teacher conferences, grand concerts across various cities in Japan on a yearly basis. She regularly travels back to Japan to attend teacher training, concerts and teaching at International conferences.

Since arriving in Australia in 1987, Itsuko has been teaching at her private studio in Sydney (including conducting a training course weekly) and at Suzuki Workshops, teacher training courses and conferences both interstate and overseas (London, Davos Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Lithuania, Lativa and New Zealand). Itsuko is a Suzuki Piano Teacher Trainer, a teacher and accompanist who regularly accompanies Suzuki events such as the yearly Graduation concerts at the Sydney Opera House.

Currently Itsuko is teaching at Itsuko Bara & Bart Kenis Piano Studio (IBBK Piano Studio ) with her partner Bart Kenis.