Hannah Kagawa

New Zealand Percussionist, Composer, Teacher and Instrument Maker

Hannah Kagawa is a Christchurch-born, New Zealand-based percussionist and composer. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music at the University of Canterbury under the guidance of Grammy-nominated percussionist Dr. Justin DeHart. As the winner of the UC Lilburn Composers Competition in 2024, her compositions have been premiered both across New Zealand and internationally. 

After earning a Trinity College London ATCL Percussion Diploma in 2023, she has performed with ensembles such as the National Youth Orchestra and the Canterbury Philharmonia. She is also regularly involved in international music events such as the Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, USA, in 2024, and Marimbafest in Perth, Australia, in 2025. Hannah is also engaged in conducting, teaching, and building orchestral instruments, with a focus on making music and percussion more accessible within the community