Our journey began with a performance for our great-grandmother at her nursing home. We didn't know it then, but it would be the last time we ever saw her alive. What we remember most is how happy she was that day, in a way we hadn't seen in years. She lit up at the music, grateful for our presence and delighted simply to have us there, soaking in every moment of it.
In a period of her life when joy had become rare, that afternoon gave both of our great-grandmothers and us something we'll always hold onto. When she passed, we couldn't stop thinking about her last smile --- and realized there may be many others in places like hers waiting for a moment like it.
ECHO was born from that memory, from our shared belief that music, presence, and love can bring joy to those who need it most.
Our Mission
At ECHO by Takemoto, our mission is to use the violin as a therapeutic tool to enhance the well-being of elderly individuals. Founded by two Juilliard Pre-College students, our project aims to spread the healing benefits of music to nursing homes and contribute to ongoing research in music therapy.
About the Founders
Kate Takemoto
Kate Takemoto is an accomplished violinist whose passion for music began at the age of six. A student at Horace Mann School and Juilliard Pre-College, Kate studies under the guidance of renowned instructors Ms. Ann Setzer and Mr. Khullip Jeung. She also performs with the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony, showcasing her artistry alongside other talented young musicians.
Kate has received numerous accolades throughout her musical journey, most notably winning the 2025 New York MTNA Senior String Performance Competition—where she represented New York State in the MTNA Eastern Division—and taking First Place and the Bronze Award at the 2024 Bellagrande International Music Competition.Her top honors in 2026 include First Prize victories at both the Vivo International Music Competition and the Miclot International Music Competition, along with Second Place finishes at the ENKOR International Music Competition and the Doremi International Music Competition. In 2025, she secured First Prize wins at the New York Young Virtuoso Competition, the American Protégé International Romantic Music Competition, and the Beethoven International Music Competition UK (Romantic Division), while earning a Grand Prize Nomination at the New York International Young Musician Competition. Her achievements are further complemented by Second Place awards at the 2025 American Virtuoso International Music Competition, the 2025 Radda Rise International String Competition, and the 2024 NJ Sinfonietta International Showcase Music Competition.
Outside of competitions, Kate is dedicated to spreading her love of music. Kate enjoys teaching kids through the Do Re Mi Project, a nonprofit she works with. Additionally, through the Horace Mann School, she participates in the Music Outreach Club, dedicated to bringing music to senior homes.
Anne Takemoto
Anne Takemoto is an accomplished violinist who began her musical journey at the age of six. She is a dedicated student at Horace Mann School and the esteemed Juilliard Pre-College, where she studies under the mentorship of Ms. Ann Setzer and Mr. Khullip Jeung. Anne served as concertmaster of the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony, exemplifying her leadership and exceptional musical talent.
Anne’s musical accomplishments include being named a 2026 YoungArts Winner in Classical Music / Violin. In 2025, she earned First Prize in the Modern Division at the American Virtuoso International Music Competition, was named a Grand Prize Nominee at the New York International Young Musician Competition, and won First Place (Modern Division) alongside the Beethoven Virtuosic Performance Special Award at the Beethoven International Music Competition UK. Her earlier accolades include First Place at both the 2023 Camerata Artists International Solo Competition and 2023 Elite Music Competition, as well as First Place and the Bronze Award at the 2023 Vivo International Music Competition.
Beyond her competitive success, Anne is passionate about sharing music with others. Through Horace Mann School, she is the president of the Music Outreach Club, an organization that brings live performances to underserved communities, spreading joy and inspiration through music. She also participates in the Do Re Mi Project, an organization dedicated to providing free music tutoring for younger students.
