Marissa Takaki is the Principal Bassoonist in the Arkansas Symphony, beginning her appointment in September 2024. Ms. Takaki joined the orchestra in 2021 and held the position as Second Bassoon for three seasons. She performs with various professional orchestras throughout the country, and is based in Atlanta.

Ms. Takaki is originally from Glenview, Illinois, and began her studies with Dr. Bill Dawson and Ann Dufek. She was a Stamps Distinguished Ensemble Scholar at the University of Miami, where she received her B.M. as a student of Gabriel Beavers. She received her M.M. from Northwestern University where she studied with David McGill. She then went on to study with Nancy Goeres, receiving an AMS Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University.

Ms. Takaki has been a fellow at the Aspen Music Festival and School, Sarasota Music Festival, and has attended the Brevard and Imani Winds Chamber Music Festivals.