Bradford (BJ) Yamamoto, Jr. serves as the President & CEO and Research Fellow at Aloha Music. In addition, he is currently pursuing a PhD in Education at the School of Educational Studies at Claremont Graduate University. His professional responsibilities include leading the organization’s fundraising efforts, fostering community and stakeholder engagement, developing and overseeing programs, and ensuring the operational and financial health of the organization.

Mr. Yamamoto’s primary objective is to drive policy change in Hawaii, advocating for the mandatory and fully funded inclusion of music education in all schools. His research agenda focuses on analyzing music education as a workforce development tool and assessing its broader impact on Hawaii’s music industry and economy.

He studied music education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Los Angeles, where his studies concentrated on non-profit organizations and public administration. Mr. Yamamoto also holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy with a focus on Education Policy from Claremont Graduate University, where he is currently completing his doctoral studies in Education.

Beyond his academic and leadership roles, Mr. Yamamoto has built a successful career in the private sector, founding a technology consulting business and a data-science startup. He also has extensive experience in the nonprofit sector, managing educational programs and teaching music in Hawaii’s public schools.

Favorite Muiscal Quote