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Jeeyoon Kim, pianist and teacher

Dr. Jeeyoon Kim

“A unique experience of shared feeling...In that sharing we find ourselves…”

 -Carnegie Hall debut review

“One of the next great stars of the music world”

-Manistee News

“She is simply a force of nature, one who lives for that special connection with a live audience."

-Gordon M. Brown, classical radio  host at KFSD-FM, at XLNC1-FM

Her Story

Award-winning classical pianist Jeeyoon Kim has delighted audiences across the United States and the world with her combination of sensitive artistry, ‘consummate musicianship, impeccable technique, and engaging and innovative concert experiences.’ (New York Classical Review)

From the start of her career, beginning with her celebrated 2016 debut album, 10 More Minutes, Jeeyoon has thrilled classical music fans with her artful performances. Through her unique performance presentations, Jeeyoon has connected with concert attendees decidedly younger than the average by engaging in musical conversations from the stage. Her second album and concert project, Over. Above. Beyond., further stretched the mold for classical piano performances by collaborating with New York-based artist Moonsub Shin. Jeeyoon's collaboration with the artist delivered a multimedia experience that was also captured in an award-winning music video. Kim’s following project titled, 시음 /si-úm/, began during her 2020 residency at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity for their 'Concert in the 21st Century' program. This concert project incorporates poetry and black and white photography. Jeeyoon's dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music to connect with a new audience has inspired a dedicated and passionate fanbase that defies conventional wisdom.

 

Jeeyoon began studying the piano when she was just four years old, and her love of music propelled her through her undergraduate studies in piano performance in her native Korea. After moving to the United States, she received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance with Distinction from Indiana University’s renowned Jacobs School of Music.

 

In pursuit of a deeper understanding of music education, she earned a second master's degree in piano pedagogy from Butler University, where she concurrently served as a faculty member. As a testament to Jeeyoon’s abilities as an educator, she was recognized with the 'Top Music Teacher Award' from Steinway & Sons for three consecutive years, from 2016 to 2018.

 

Jeeyoon has shared her fresh perspective on classical piano performance with audiences at beloved venues such as the Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Chamber Music Society in San Francisco, and the Stradivari Society in Chicago. Her fast-growing podcast, Journey Through Classical Piano, is dedicated to helping people of all musical tastes and backgrounds discover the beauty of classical music. Its fifteen-minute episodes feature concert-like musical experiences and in-depth exploration of classical compositions.

 

Jeeyoon is an author, educator, public speaker, podcaster, and award-winning performer. In 2021, she published her first book, Whenever You’re Ready, offering readers a personal glimpse into her life. This self-help book in a concert-style structure shares wisdom and insights gained from Jeeyoon's musical experiences. After a successful reception throughout North America and Europe, the book was published in South Korea in 2022. The book, translated into Korean by the author herself, has made it to the top 3 best sellers in South Korea in the self-help category. Jeeyoon Kim currently resides in San Diego. Between a busy concert touring schedule, she happily practices her piano daily, maintains a studio full of dedicated piano students, and surfs each morning at sunrise.

 

Praise and awards:

 

  • "The tonal clarity and textural clarity of Kim’s playing […] was a constant in every piece that she performed regardless of era or style. Seamless playing” – New York Classical Review

  • “One of the next great stars of the music world.” —Manistee News

  • “Exquisite, absolutely phenomenal! She is a perfect window for music to speak for itself. That is a rare gift to the world...” —Susan Kitterman, former Artistic Director from New World Youth Symphony

  • "I urge you to make Jeeyoon Kim’s acquaintance. She is very much her own artist, and possesses that most important quality, the ability to make you want to listen to her.” -Dave Saemann, Fanfare magazine 

  • "Beautiful control of the instrument, superior technique, and all of that emotion shows up in her sound as well as watching her. I am awed by her talent. It would be criminal for the world not to hear Jeeyoon perform..." —Gary Walter, Jazz Pianist 

  • “She brings not only a wealth of talent but also a fresh and wonderful way of presenting classical music to her audiences. She creates a conversation and connection between performer and audience. One feels as though they have been invited into her home.” —Matthew Thomas, Executive Director of the Shoreline Music Society in Michigan

  • The music video for Over. Above. Beyond. won the “Best Music Video” Platinum Award from the Independent Short Awards in Los Angeles, and was an Official Selection at the Red Wood Film Festival, the Rome Independent Prisma Award, the Cine Fern Film Festival, and others. 

  • Double Gold Medal winner for Emerging Artist and Instrumentalist at Global Music Awards in 2018

  • Winner of the Beverly Hills National Competition of 2018