Studied piano with Leo Sirota and Paul Weingarten, and composition with Klaus Pringsheim, and graduated at the top of his class.

Studied conducting technique under the tutelage of Józef Rosenstock, and premiered as a conductor for the New Symphony Orchestra in 1940.

5 (Shostakovich), Don Quixote (R. Strauss), Six Pieces for Orchestra (Webern), The Rite of Spring (Stravinsky), Le roi David (Honegger) and Sept haïkaï (Messiaen).

[1] In 1976, Yamada was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon (for artistic excellence) by the Government of Japan, and in 1978 he firmly established his reputation for excellence in the 'World of Kazuo Yamada' series of performances.

Held a number of key posts such as Chief Resident Conductor & Artistic Advisor of the Kyoto Symphony Orchestra, Artistic Director of the Gunma Symphony Orchestra, Honorary Conductor of the Japan Shinsei Symphony Orchestra, Music Director of the Nissho Chorus, Chairman of the Japan Mahler Society, Professor of the Tokyo University of the Arts, and gave stellar performances as Guest Conductor in Japan as well as overseas.