Ayako Breitenbach

Ayako Breitenbach is a Registered Nurse in East Lansing, Michigan. She works at Hospice of Lansing’s Stoneleigh Residence, an eight-bed facility providing specialized care to patients in the final stages of terminal illness. Despite daily exposure to pain, grief, and dying it is a deeply meaningful career. Time at the piano allows immersion in all of life’s passions and joy as well as its sorrows. 

Ayako returned to the piano during the pandemic after 20 years absence. Currently she studies with Dr. Eric Zuber at Michigan State University. Past teachers include Dr. Riley Haws at Mary Baldwin College and Dr. Eric Ruple at James Madison University. Ayako grew up in Nara, Japan, and though she had no formal training in piano in Japan, her early education provided solid structure and musical discipline.