Marcus Tsutakawa is a distinguished conductor and music educator based in Seattle, Washington. He was conductor of the nationally recognized Garfield High School Orchestra for 31 years, and taught music in Seattle Public Schools from 1979 to 2016.  Tsutakawa is serving in his 22nd season as conductor of SYSO’s Junior Symphony Orchestra.

Guest conducting honors include the Indiana All-State Orchestra (Indianapolis, 2008), the Suzuki Youth Orchestra of America (Minneapolis, 2008), Texas Music Educators Association Region IX Middle School Honors Orchestra (San Antonio, 2013), California Orchestra Directors Association Honors String Orchestra (Los Angeles,  2017), among others. Tsutakawa was the featured teacher in the 2003 and 2014 School Band and Orchestra Magazines.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray proclaimed March 1, 2016, as Marcus Tsutakawa Day in honor of his contributions and service in the arts to the City of Seattle. Tsutakawa also is a member of the Lifetime Board of Directors for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.