Born and raised in Japan, Ms Zavislak attended the Toho Gakuen High School of Music, one of the most prestigious conservatories in her native country. From 1996 to 2007, Ms Zavislak resided in Michigan, where she earned the degrees Bachelor of Music, Master of Music, and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan. Prior to her appointment at the University of Idaho, Ms Zavislak held positions as an applied and classroom piano instructor at Schoolcraft College (Livonia, MI), Albion College (Albion, MI) and the University of Michigan.