Iris Shiraishi joined Mu Daiko in 1997 and the Mu the staff in 2002. As Taiko Programs Director, she facilitates the public taiko classes along with the rehearsals and performances for the Mu Community Taiko Group and Mu Daiko. Iris maintains an active performing, composing and residency/studio teaching schedule and is a member of Mu's Core Artistic Group. She has degrees in Music Composition, Music Therapy and Arts Administration from the Universities of Hawaii, Iowa and Minnesota. Iris has been a grant recipient of Asian American Renaissance, Jerome Foundation, American Composers Forum (subito), MetLife/Meet the Composer, A Very Small Arts Fund programs and is a 2009 finalist for the Bush Artist Fellowship Program.