Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts

Martin Torch-Ishii, Cello

Cellist and educator Martin Torch-Ishii holds degrees from the University of Michigan, the Cleveland Institute of Music, and the Toho School of Music in Japan.  He recently won a section cello position with the Ann Arbor Symphony, and is a frequent substitute cellist with the Toledo Symphony.   Martin maintains a studio of over 20 students, both privately and at the Ann Arbor School of Performing Arts.

Martin also spends a fair amount of time touring with his cello and percussion rock band, Break of Reality (www.breakofreality.com).  Comprised of three cellists and a drummer, Break of Reality combines classical training with rock influences.  The band has released two albums of original music, selling over 40,000 hard copies so far.

During the summer, Martin directs and teaches at the Ann Arbor Cello Camp, a summer institute for cellists that he created in 2010 with cellist Daniel Thomas.  He is also a regular guest artist and teacher at the 5 Seasons Chamber Music Festival (Iowa), and runs a cello rock camp in New York with Break of Reality.