Born in Osaka in 1971 and raised both in Japan and Singapore, Sekine's artistic journey began at a young age, fostering a profound passion for music. Drawing from the rich traditions of jazz, particularly bebop and straight-ahead, Sekine's music radiates with a deep appreciation for the genre's heritage, while her fearless exploration of improvisation, experimentation, and diverse musical genres sets her apart as a true innovator. Sekine has studied privately with extraordinary jazz pianists such as Yuki Arimasa, Aaron Goldberg and Bruce Barth, whose mentorship has helped refine her basics and enriched musical journey as a jazz pianist. Sekine also recalls the fateful lessons from the late legendary piano teacher Sophia Rosoff that transformed and reshaped Sekine's piano technique from its very foundation in one hour, as well as lessons she received from the late Brazilian keyboard virtuoso Cidinho Teixeira, whose expertise in Brazilian music and rhythm deeply influenced her musical style. From the bustling streets of New York City to the vibrant scenes of Japan, Singapore, India, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Netherlands, Sekine's performances have captivated jazz enthusiasts worldwide. Invited to perform at prestigious music festivals and stages, including her recent performance at the Thailand International Jazz Conference 2024, Sekine's style embodies a unique blend of artistic qualities: emotionally resonant phrasing, intricate harmonies, and, above all, exceptionally swinging rhythmic prowess developed through her percussionist background, inviting audiences into an immersive musical experience.  Over the years, Aya has performed with some of the heaviest cats in the industry such as Greg Glassman (tp), Marcus Printup (tp), Christy Smith (bass), Chris Cheek (sax), Dale Barlow (sax), Kavita Shah (vo), Erik Hargrove(dr), Timothy O’Dwyer (sax), Darren Moore (dr), Joanna Dong (vo), Greg Lyons (sax), Alemay Fernandez (vo) Tan Hanjin (vo) Nathan Hartono(vo), Rahimah Rahim (vo), Louis Soliano (dr), Louis Pragasam (dr), and with myriad of great Japanese artists; Keizo Nobori (sax), Saigenji (gt), Yoshiro Okazaki(tp), Shinpei Ruike (tp), Shun Sakai (vo) Kuninori Tamamori (tp) and Homei Yanagawa (sax).  Academically, she has acquired a Performance diploma and degree from Berklee College of Music and LASALLE College of the Arts/Goldsmiths College. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Arts & Cultural Management. Globally recognized for her community efforts to support the jazz community, she was invited as a guest panelist at UNESCO’s International Jazz Day Global Host Celebration 2020 in Melbourne by the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz. In 2018, Aya delved into visual art, producing vibrant digital paintings that mirror her mental and emotional states. Notably, her artwork has graced album covers for prominent musicians, including Jazz saxophonist John Ellis. In spring 2024, Sekine embarked on an exciting new chapter, relocating to Detroit, a city she describes as “creative, soulful, and steeped in jazz heritage.” Immersing herself in its rich scene, she performed at major festivals like the East Lansing Summer Solstice Festival, Saline Jazz Festival, and Jazz Festival Michigan. “I love the soulfulness of Detroit's jazz and discovering its depth and heritage, it's an inspiring city" Sekine shares. Currently, she is involved in several projects and performs at popular Detroit venues such as Moondog Café, Parts & Labour, Willis Show Bar, and Bar Rotunda. She has also appeared at notable venues outside Detroit, including Moriarty's Pub (Lansing, MI) and Merriman's Playhouse (South Bend, IN). Additionally, she frequently jams and sits in at renowned venues like Cliff Bell’s, Motor City Wine, and Aretha’s Jazz Café, Woodbridge Pub, connecting deeply with the local music community. As she continues to explore Detroit’s dynamic music culture, Sekine remains dedicated to her artistic vision, blending her rich history with evolving inspirations. With decades of global experience behind her, the most exciting chapter of her story is only just beginning.