Jeeyoon Kim
Author / Musician
Award-winning classical pianist Jeeyoon Kim has delighted audiences across the U.S. and around the world with her sparkling combination of sensitive artistry, broad emotional range, impeccable technique, and uniquely engaging and innovative concert experiences.
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 and connected with attendees who are decidedly younger than average by engaging in a conversation with her audience from onstage. 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 to deliver a multi-media experience that was also captured in an award-winning music video. Kim’s next project, [si-úm], will be recorded during her 2020 residency in the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity for their Concert in the 21st Century program, and will incorporate poetry and spoken word performances. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music to connect with new audiences has inspired a dedicated and passionate fan base that defies conventional wisdom.
Jeeyoon began studying the piano when she was just four years old, and her love of music and the piano propelled her through her undergraduate studies in piano performance in her native Korea. After moving to the U.S., she graduated with distinction with a Master’s Degree and a Doctorate Degree in Piano Performance with a full scholarship from Indiana University’s renowned Jacob School of Music.
In pursuit of an even deeper understanding of music and refining her ability to share it with others, she earned another Master's Degree in music education, Piano Pedagogy, with a full scholarship from Butler University, where she also simultaneously served as a faculty member. A testament to Jeeyoon’s abilities as an educator: she was recognized with the 'Top Music Teacher Award' from Steinway and Sons for 3 years in a row from 2016 to 2018.
Today, between performances at venues like Carnegie Hall, the Chamber Music Society in San Francisco, and the Stradivari Society in Chicago, Jeeyoon remains focused on finding new ways to connect with audiences and bring a fresh perspective to the magic of classical piano music. She recently launched a fast-growing new podcast dedicated to helping people of all musical tastes and backgrounds discover the beauty of classical music. Journey through Classical Piano delivers 15-minute episodes that feature concert-like musical experiences and in-depth exploration of classical compositions, hosted by Jeeyoon.
Jeeyoon also continues to use her pedigree as an educator with a community residency. In her role as an active visiting artist, she connects with students in a classroom teaching “how to listen to and appreciate classical music,” motivating and inspiring the new generation of audiences. She is an art activist, and collaborator with artists of various disciplines from visual to the spoken word. She has led numerous master classes and workshops nationally for music organizations and conferences such as MTNA (Music Teachers' National Association) and MTAC (Music Teachers' Association of California). In March 2020, she will be featured as a session speaker at the MTNA national conference in Chicago, speaking on the topic: “Happiness is Encoded in Piano: Strategies for Enhancing Adult Group Lessons with Wellness Activities.”
During her COVID-19 quarantine, she is working on a new project, practicing, walking daily, teaching and performing on live-streaming from her home.