Misa MEAD

Misa was born in the city of Kumamoto, in the south west of Japan. She graduated from Tokyo College of Music in 2008. At both high school and university she was a scholarship student.

Misa won the unanimous Gold Medal at the European Solo Competition for Young Soloists in Luxembourg 2011, as well winning the first prize at the 4th All-Japan Junior High and Senior High School Students Wind Instruments Solo Contest, 2000, and the 25th All-Kyushu Music Competition Gold Award 2001. At the highly prestigious Jeju International Wind and Percussion Solo Competition 2012 and 2014, South Korea, she won third prize. Misa graduated with Honors at the Conservatory at regional radiation of Paris 2012.

Misa appeared as a guest artist in March 2013 at Tubamania Festivals in Thailand and May 2013 at the South West Region Tuba Euphonium Conference (SWRTEC) in California, USA, performing her own compositions. In 2013 she was appointed High School Performance Assistant at the Tokyo College of Music. She also worked closely with the Tokyo-based Spiel Kammerensemble.

Since July 2013, Misa moved to the UK, and performed many concerts in more than twenty countries. She married the famous British euphonium artist Steven Mead in March 2014, and changed her name from Misa Akahoshi to Misa Mead. Her debut CD Journey, was released to great critical acclaim.

Misa is an active as freelance composer and orchestrator. Many of her works are published by ASKS Winds (Japan) and Bocchino Music (UK) distributed world-wide.

Misa is a Besson Euphonium Artist represents the Buffet Group around the world with her solo activities.