Meet Our Faculty
Hyun J. Hwang
Composition | DMA Program Director
Dr. Hyun Jung Hwang is a composer, conductor, and educator specializing in contemporary and sacred music. Her compositions have been performed at notable venues including Walt Disney Concert Hall, Zipper Concert Hall, and the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts.
Dr. Hwang earned her Ph.D. and M.A. in Music Composition and Theory from the University of California, Los Angeles, and her M.M. and B.A. in Music Composition from Seoul National University. Her academic and creative work reflects a deep interest in the relationship between spirituality, musical expression, and contemporary composition.
She has served on the faculties of California Arts University, Kangnung National University, Seoul Women’s University, and Bethesda University. She also taught in UCLA’s Department of Music as a teaching assistant.
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Hwang serves as conductor of the IAMS Youth Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble and as music director of the New California Conservatory Youth Ensemble. She has also served as resident composer for the Love-in-Music Orchestra, Bethel Korean Church Orchestra, and UBF Orchestra.
Her honors include awards from the Seoul Music Festival and the KBS New Music Festival, UCLA’s Dissertation Fellowship of the Year Award, and an Arts Educational Partnership Program Grant from the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.
Dr. Hwang has contributed to contemporary Christian music recording projects, including Almighty Yahweh and God Is Wonder by TMG in the United States and The Beginning of Love by BPM in Korea. Her scholarly work includes doctoral research on spirituality in the music of Olivier Messiaen. She also contributed to an instructional recording focused on piano technique for the Certificate of Merit program.
Through her work as a composer, conductor, scholar, and educator, Dr. Hwang encourages students to unite disciplined musicianship with creativity, purpose, and artistic expression.
Yumi Kim
Jazz Piano | MACMP Program Director
Dr. Yumi Kim is an accomplished jazz and pop keyboardist, K-Pop session musician, songwriter, arranger, and educator whose career spans live performance, studio recording, composition, and music education.
As a songwriter and recording session musician, Dr. Kim has contributed to projects featuring artists such as Red Velvet, Byul, Lee Moon Sae, Sejoon Kahng, BTOB, Lenka, Soul Market, and Calvin Park. Her songwriting was also recognized with third place in the Juke-On Songwriting Competition.
Dr. Kim has performed as a keyboardist for concerts and tours with many prominent Korean artists, including Jo Sung Mo, JK Kim Dong Wook, Kim Jong Kook, HAHA, Fly to the Sky, Gummy, Kim Tae Woo, Lyn, Wheesung, Turbo, Ailee, Davichi, Insooni, Kim Ho Joong, Lee Mujin, and performers from Burning Trotman. Her versatility, musical sensitivity, and extensive industry experience have made her a respected performer in both live and studio settings.
A dedicated educator, Dr. Kim serves as a full-time faculty member at California Arts University, where she mentors emerging musicians in contemporary performance, musicianship, and professional artistry. She has also taught at One Stop College Prep School, Top Learning Center, Nam Ju Hee Music Academy, Modern Applied Music Academy, and Serendip Music Academy.
Dr. Kim holds a Doctor of Church Music, a Master of Music from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music, and an Associate of Arts from Seoul Institute of the Arts. Through her performing, composing, arranging, and teaching, she continues to prepare the next generation of musicians for meaningful careers in contemporary music.
Mikyung Lim
Piano | BAM Program Director
Dr. Mikyung Lim is a distinguished pianist and music educator recognized for her achievements in performance, teaching, and academic research. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of North Texas, studying under Professor Adam Wodnicki, and was awarded a scholarship for academic excellence. Dr. Lim is currently the Program Director of the Bachelor of Arts in Music (BAM) program at California Arts University.
Her performance career includes a celebrated debut at Carnegie Hall in New York, and she continues to perform actively in piano and ensemble recitals. She has received notable recognition as a finalist in the American Prize National Competition and winner of the American Protégé International Piano & Strings Competition. In addition to her performances, Dr. Lim has significantly contributed to church music, serving as the Music Director at St. Anselm Episcopal Church. As a passionate educator, Dr. Lim has mentored students who have gone on to win top prizes in various competitions. She is a member of several prestigious music organizations, including the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the Music Teachers Association of California (MTAC), and the College Music Society (CMS). Her academic research, “Norwegian Folk Elements in Thomas Tellefsen’s Mazurkas,” was featured at the MTNA Piano Pedagogy Symposium and presented at the University of South Carolina.
In addition to her musical career, Dr. Lim serves as a music critic for KRA News Channel, offering expert analysis and reviews of musical events, which are highly regarded by musicians and enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, she is the Chairperson of CM Medical USA Clinic, overseeing operations and business strategy in plastic surgery, traditional Korean medicine, and cosmetic treatments.
Dr. Lim’s diverse expertise and leadership in music, media, and healthcare highlight her commitment to excellence in every field she pursues. She continues to inspire as a performer, educator, researcher, and leader, demonstrating her passion for music and the broader community.
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Hojun Lee
Dr. Hojun Lee is a conductor, composer, pianist, organist, and educator with more than 25 years of experience leading musical ensembles, creating works across diverse genres, and performing internationally.
As a conductor, Dr. Lee has worked with ensembles including the UCLA Wind Ensemble, London Classical Soloists Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Chorale and Orchestra, Amadeo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Royal Opera Group. He is especially passionate about conducting his own choral, orchestral, and operatic works and currently serves as music director of Sharing Choir.
Dr. Lee’s compositions include solo works, orchestral music, art songs, choral works, and operas. His music has been performed throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, and Egypt and has been published by Hal Leonard, Fred Bock Music, Colla Voce Music, and other publishers.
As a solo and collaborative pianist and organist, Dr. Lee has performed at notable venues including Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center, and Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.
Dr. Lee earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles. He serves as a professor of music at California Arts University, where he teaches music theory, conducting, and composition. Through his teaching and mentorship, he helps students develop strong musicianship, creative confidence, and a deeper understanding of the art and discipline of music.
Composition
Jimyun Kim
Composition | IT Director
Dr. Ji Myun Kim is a multifaceted composer and music director with an extensive academic background in composition, spanning from undergraduate to doctoral studies. His contributions to contemporary Christian music (CCM) include the renowned piece Voice of God (Psalm 40), featured in CTS-TV’s CCM Praise 100th Anniversary (2006) and the Mongolian Hymnal (2017).
After completing his undergraduate studies, he joined Seoul Records, overseeing drama soundtrack production in collaboration with major broadcasters such as MBC and SBS. His compositions include signal music for Traffic Broadcasting and drama scores for KBS.
Kim’s diverse experience extends to musical theater, having been an orchestra member for Guys and Dolls in the early 2000s. As a music director, he also participated in short film productions at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne. His short film Little Caesar won Best Short Film at the Kodak Short Film Festival.
As a music director, he worked on commercial films such as Bloody Shake and Sadness August, with Bloody Shake earning official selections at prestigious festivals, including the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival, the England Filmstock Film Festival, and the Netherlands Film Festival.
Currently, Dr. Kim serves as IT Director and Professor at the California Arts University, managing the distance learning system. He is also a music and arts columnist for the Hanmi News Channel and actively participates in the Southern California Korean Church Music Association’s Creative Hymn Festival, where he regularly presents choral works.
Dr. Kim is dedicated to bridging the worlds of music, technology, and education, ensuring that his influence extends across a wide range of artistic disciplines. Whether through composing original pieces, directing music for films, or shaping future leaders in the arts, his contributions resonate deeply within both the academic and creative communities. His ongoing work with various cultural and artistic organizations highlights his dedication to the global growth of music, particularly in the realm of contemporary Christian music and beyond.
Youngjin Choi
Sound Design
For two decades, Youngjin Choi has been a successful composer and record producer, collaborating with major artists and global brands from his base in Los Angeles. Holding an M.F.A. in Sound Design and Technology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and additional training in Scoring for Film and Television from UCLA, he has built an impressive career spanning live performances, film, television, and commercial music production.
Youngjin has worked as an orchestra arranger for Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Israel Houghton, and Pia Toscano, with performances at prestigious venues such as Walt Disney Concert Hall. His work includes composing for The Grammy Awards commercials, Korean broadcasters KBS and SBS, and film productions in both the U.S. and South Korea. His commercial credits include collaborations with Pepsi, Kia, Toyota, and Reese’s Puffs.
In recognition of his talent, Youngjin received Best Contemporary Christian Producer at the 2014 Indie Music Channel Awards and Best CCM Producer at the 2015 Indie Music Channel Awards.
Beyond his creative work, Youngjin is also an educator, serving as a faculty member at California Arts University and previously as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Music at Hope International University. He has also taught at Bethesda University, Shepherd University, and the Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America. Specializing in music production, orchestration, and sound design, he is committed to mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Chris H. Lee
Jazz Piano | Film Music
Chris Lee is a pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work spans film scoring, jazz performance, orchestral arranging, music production, and contemporary music education.
He studied Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music in Boston, specializing in orchestral and electronic composition across a wide range of genres and styles. After graduating, he worked with established film composers Jeff Rona, Mike Suby, and Joey Newman on projects for film and television. He also contributed additional music to the ABC television series Make It or Break It.
As a jazz pianist, Chris has performed extensively in Los Angeles and Korea in piano trio and big band settings. He toured five cities in Korea with violist and recording artist Richard Yongjae O’Neill, performing at venues including the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The concerts featured Chris’s orchestral arrangements of classical works and jazz standards and were broadcast on national television.
Chris earned his Master of Music in Jazz Piano from the University of Southern California, where he studied and performed with distinguished musicians including Russell Ferrante, Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine, and Alan Pasqua.
He later joined the faculty of Musicians Institute, teaching songwriting, keyboard performance, and composition in its bachelor’s degree program. At California Arts University, he has taught music technology, jazz ensemble, and trends in contemporary music.
Chris also arranged and performed piano for the main theme of the soundtrack for the tvN drama Maestra. He continues to serve California Arts University as a faculty member while teaching composition and keyboard at the University of Suwon and participating in a variety of performances, recordings, and creative music projects.
Kyungsoo Moon
Voice | Tenor
Dr. Kyung-Soo Moon is a music scholar, educator, and author specializing in vocal literature, performance, music history, and aesthetics.
He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Texas at Austin and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Pusan National University.
Throughout his academic career, Dr. Moon has held faculty and leadership positions at several universities in Korea. He previously served as chair of the Department of Music at Hansei University. He has also taught applied voice, vocal literature, and thesis research at Sookmyung Women’s University; vocal literature at Ewha Womans University; and vocal performance, literature, history, and aesthetics at Pusan National University.
Dr. Moon is the author of several books designed to support vocalists, teachers, and music scholars, including:
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Pronunciation Guide for Vocalists in Seven Languages
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English and American Art Song Literature
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German Art Song Literature I & II
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Issues and Corrections in Vocal Technique
His research examines vocal literature, musical interpretation, compositional techniques, and the relationship between music and dramatic expression. His published studies include analyses of Benjamin Britten’s Songs from the Chinese and Peter Grimes, Franz Schubert’s Die Winterreise, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita.
Through his teaching, research, and publications, Dr. Moon continues to contribute to the study of vocal music while mentoring the next generation of performers, educators, and scholars.
Clara Lee
Voice | Soprano
Dr. Clara N. Lee is an acclaimed soprano, conductor, and educator with expertise in historical performance practice, vocal pedagogy, and community engagement. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Historical Performance Practice from Claremont Graduate University, where her research focused on adapting the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) system for Korean diction in classical vocal methodology. She also earned a Master of Arts in Voice Performance from World Mission University and a Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature from Kun-Kuk University in South Korea.
Recognized for both academic and artistic excellence, Dr. Lee has received the CGU Music Fellowship, Walker Endowed Fellowship, Bitsori Scholarship, WMU Professors’ Award, and the Pearl Proctor Memorial Scholarship. Her scholarly contributions include research on J.S. Bach, Mozart, Barbara Strozzi, and Jean-Philippe Rameau, and she is actively involved in publishing choral collections, a Korean diction guide for singers, and a book on mental health awareness.
Dr. Lee is deeply committed to community outreach. As the Executive Director of BONA Music, she promotes Korean art songs and supports musicians through performance and research. She also serves as Choral Music Director and Conductor for Altogether in Love, bringing music programs to seniors and underserved communities. Her leadership in the Ari Project at the Korean Cultural Center further expands the reach of Korean vocal music.
Beyond music, Dr. Lee is an advocate for mental health awareness, certified in Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. Through her roles as a performer, educator, and community leader, she continues to inspire and bridge cultures through the power of music.
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Wi Young Oh
Voice | Tenor
Dr. Wi Young Oh is a tenor, conductor, and vocal educator whose career encompasses opera, concert performance, choral direction, and higher education.
He holds a Master of Divinity from Azusa Pacific University and completed advanced studies in Mozart performance. From 2014 to 2023, he further developed his vocal artistry under the mentorship of Professor In Soo Park of Seoul National University.
Dr. Oh has performed leading operatic roles at major Southern California venues. His appearances include the title role in Yoon Dong Joo at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Samson in Samson and Delilah at the San Gabriel Mission Playhouse, and Moses in Exodus at Walt Disney Concert Hall.
As a tenor soloist, he has performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with the LAKMA Peace Concerts and in Verdi’s Requiem. He was also featured in Light of Hope at Carnegie Hall and has appeared at Seoul Arts Center, Lotte Concert Hall, and in performances with the Elite Choir in Taiwan.
In addition to his performance career, Dr. Oh serves as conductor of the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Choir, K.A.M.A. Choir, and Golden Choir. He is a professor of voice at California Arts University and has also performed as a soloist with LAKMA, Vocielesti, Los Angeles Christian Singers, and Three Angels Choir.
Through his work as a performer, conductor, and educator, Dr. Oh helps students develop vocal technique, musical expression, confidence, and a commitment to artistic excellence.
Kyuyoung Lee
Voice | Tenor
Dr. Kyuyoung Lee, a native of South Korea, has delivered captivating performances across numerous prestigious programs in his homeland, most notably collaborating with the Korea Prime Philharmonic Orchestra. He emerged as a laureate of the Metropolitan Opera Competition in the Colorado district in 2015 and the Saltwork Opera Competition in 2017.
Kyuyoung Lee has showcased his vocal prowess in leading roles with the Boston University Opera Institute, portraying characters such as Alfredo in La Traviata, the Mayor in Albert Herring, Sheldon in Later the Same Evening, and Doofey in Sweets by Kate. His versatility extends to the Aspen Opera Theater Center, where he covered roles like Rodolfo in La Bohème and Luigi in A Wedding.
During his tenure at USC, Kyuyoung Lee enriched the stage as Tamino in The Magic Flute and the Chaplain of the Monastery in Dialogues of the Carmelites with the USC Thornton Opera. His operatic repertoire encompasses diverse roles, including Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni at the Manhattan School of Music, Lucarnio in Ariodante with Chautauqua Opera, and Hoffmann in The Tales of Hoffmann at the Music Academy of the West.
Kyuyoung Lee holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Arts from Seoul National University, a Master of Music degree in Vocal Arts from the University of Southern California under the guidance of Professor Elizabeth Hynes, a Professional Studies Certificate in Vocal Arts from the Manhattan School of Music under Professor Marlena Klein Malas, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, where he studied under Dr. Lynn Eustis.
His dedication to excellence has been recognized through prestigious scholarships, including the Seoul National University Alumni Development Fund Scholarship and the Music Merit Scholarship for Outstanding Academic Record at USC. Currently, Kyuyoung Lee imparts his knowledge and passion for music as a faculty member in the Music departments at Concordia University Irvine, Long Beach City College, Moorpark College, and Rio Hondo College.
Sung Y. Min
Voice | Soprano
Sung Yun Min is an accomplished lyrico-leggero soprano, renowned for her rich, expressive tone and effortless mastery of high notes. Whether performing operatic arias or art songs, she brings warmth, depth, and emotional sincerity to her music.
Born in Seoul, she began her musical journey at the age of six with piano studies before discovering her passion for singing at twelve. Her early exposure to Italian art songs was transformative, captivating her with their vivid lyrics and raw emotions. This experience deepened her connection to music and fostered an enduring appreciation for Italian canzone and German lieder, shaping her artistic trajectory.
She pursued advanced vocal studies at San Jose State University, where she performed leading roles such as Cio-Cio San (Madama Butterfly by Puccini) and the Countess (Le Nozze di Figaro by Mozart). Her operatic repertoire showcases remarkable versatility, including Amina (La Sonnambula), Violetta (La Traviata), and Liù (Turandot). Further refining her artistry, she studied bel canto in Italy under esteemed conductor Marco Bohemi, leading to acclaimed performances in 2023.
Dedicated to both technical precision and emotional depth, Sung strives to honor each composer’s intent while forging genuine connections with audiences. She believes in the transformative power of music, aiming to inspire, heal, and uplift listeners.
She is also a judge for the America Youth Talent International Music Competition, the San Francisco International Young Artist Music Competition, and the Young Talent Student Music Contest.
Sung holds degrees from The Catholic University of Korea and San Jose State University (Master of Music). She currently serves on the voice faculty at California Arts University while pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree, combining her passion for performance with a commitment to mentoring the next generation of vocal artists.
Seonghyang Kim
Piano | Academic Dean
Dr. Seonghyang Kim serves as Dean and Chief Academic Officer of California Arts University, where he provides leadership for academic programs, faculty development, curriculum, and student learning. A distinguished pianist, educator, and specialist in piano pedagogy, he brings extensive experience in performance, teaching, and academic administration to his role.
Dr. Kim is known for his interpretations of Romantic repertoire, particularly the works of Chopin, Liszt, and Scriabin. His performances have been recognized for their expressive depth, tonal refinement, and technical command. Pianists and pedagogues including Dr. Jack Winerock, Dr. Scott McBride Smith, and Dr. Steven Spooner have praised his artistry and insight into piano performance and technique.
Originally from South Korea, Dr. Kim began studying piano at the age of seven. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Kansas, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Binghamton University, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Kyungnam University.
His scholarly interests include piano technique, pedagogical practice, and injury prevention. His doctoral dissertation, Seymour Fink’s Mastering Piano Technique: Understanding Basic Technical Movements, examined approaches to developing technical efficiency while reducing the risk of performance-related injury. His teaching emphasizes individualized instruction, healthy technique, artistic development, and long-term growth.
Dr. Kim has performed on KBS and FEBC Radio and at concert venues in the United States and South Korea. He has also served as a jury member for the International Piano Professionals Association and the International Altone Piano Competition.
Through his leadership at California Arts University, Dr. Kim works to strengthen academic quality, support faculty and students, and advance an educational environment grounded in artistic excellence, integrity, and service.
Jeewon Lee
Piano
Dr. Jee Won Lee is a distinguished pianist from Seoul, South Korea, recognized for her versatility as a soloist, ensemble musician, and orchestral pianist. She has captivated audiences worldwide with her exceptional artistry, most notably performing at the Concert Hall of Teplice and the Dvořák Hall of Rudolfinum in Prague. Her sold-out New Year’s Gala Concert with the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra earned high praise for her technical brilliance and expressive depth.
Dr. Lee has enjoyed an extensive collaboration with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, performing in Korea and China, making solo appearances at Pops Concerts and Korean Composers’ Premier Concert Series, and touring with Maestro Myung Whun Chung in the National Tour Music Festival for Saving the Environment. Additionally, she has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra of Teleradio-Moldova, Ensemble of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra Members, and the Seoul Chamber Ensemble.
Her critically acclaimed performances include Discovering Baroque to Modern Music, Six Pianists in Korea Chosen by Critics, Newman Hall Piano Recital, and Sejong Center for Performing Arts Piano Recital. Known for her broad repertoire, spanning from classical to contemporary music, she has collaborated with esteemed musicians and led numerous ensemble projects, such as Jee Won’s Night of Ensemble and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s Chamber Music Festival.
Beyond her concert career, Dr. Lee is deeply committed to using music as a means of compassion and healing. She has participated in Charity Concerts of Love and Sharing and organized a piano recital to support children in Senegal, Africa. She has also brought solace to Syrian and Ukrainian refugees, offering music therapy sessions to help alleviate emotional distress caused by war.
Academically, Dr. Lee graduated as a top scholar from Seoul National University, earning both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Piano. She later pursued a second Master’s degree in Keyboard Collaborative Arts at the University of Southern California, where she was awarded the USC Thornton School Merit Scholarship. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at Georgia Central University.
Dr. Lee currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Konkuk University in Seoul and as an Adjunct Instructor in Piano at California Arts University. Through her teaching, performance, and service, she is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians.
Ken Song
Guitar
Ken Song is a distinguished jazz guitarist and music director, known for his versatility across genres, from jazz to pop. Holding a Master of Music from the University of Southern California (USC), Ken has made a significant impact in the music industry as a performer, educator, and session musician. His solo album Goin’ Wes has been widely celebrated in the jazz community, earning airplay on jazz radio stations across the U.S. and receiving rave reviews from publications such as Just Jazz Guitar Magazine, All About Jazz, and L.A. Jazz Scene.
Ken’s performance credits include appearances at prestigious jazz festivals, such as the Santa Barbara Jazz Festival, Fullerton Jazz Festival, Berkeley Jazz Festival, and the Harvest Moon Festival (KSCI-TV). As a music director, he led the 2013 tour for Korean pop star Lee Seung Whan. Additionally, he has contributed to hundreds of CDs and soundtracks for movies and TV commercials.
Ken has performed and recorded with a diverse range of jazz and pop artists, including Melissa Manchester, Barbara Morrison, Gregg Phillinganes, John Pisano, Scott Henderson, Carl Verheyen, Lee Seung Whan, Ailee, Kim Jo Han, Lena Park, So Hyang, Shin Ho Bum, Jung Dong Ha, Kwangjin Kim, Hyung Joon Kim, The One, Sang Min Park, Gummy, Fly to the Sky, Hae Jin Jang, Lee Jung, Baek Ji Young, Solid, Danny Jung, Roddy Chong, L.A. Boys, Paul Baloche, Bob Fitts, Tom Brooks, and Eddie Espinosa. His collaborations extend to renowned producers such as John Andrew Schriener, John Campbell, Tom Keene, Smitty Price, and Mark Levang.
Beyond performing, Ken has conducted masterclasses at USC, Citrus College, and the Worship Conference at BCU. He has also appeared in various instructional DVDs, including Music Styles, Band Workshop, and Creating Flow with Paul Baloche.
Ken Song’s legacy as a sought-after session player, music director, and educator continues to inspire musicians across genres.
Jiyeon Shin
Violin
Dr. Ji Yeon Shin is a highly accomplished violinist, educator, and chamber musician with extensive experience in performance and teaching. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance with a secondary emphasis in Violin Pedagogy from the University of Oregon, where she was a graduate teaching fellow under Kathryn Lucktenberg. She also earned a Master’s in Violin Performance from Pennsylvania State University and a Graduate Professional Diploma from The Hartt School of Music.
A certified Suzuki teacher, Dr. Shin trained with Joseph Kaminsky, Marilyn O’Boyle, Allen Lieb, Sherry Cadow, and Edmund Sprunger while finishing her Music Mind Game training. In 2016, she completed the Teacher Training Workshop under Dr. Lili Levinowitz, coauthor of Music Together. Dr. Shin has taught the Suzuki method, chamber music, and Music and Movement classes at the Community Music Institute.
Since 2024, Dr. Shin has been a string coach for the Walnut, San Juan Capistrano, and Whittier school districts, mentoring students who have won top prizes in competitions such as SYMF, Satori, Charleston International Music Competition, MACOC, Singapore International Music Competition, and MTAC. Many of her students have also been accepted into Pacific Symphony Santiago Strings, SCSBOA, and Irvine Honors Orchestra. Since 2021, she has been a faculty member in the Distance Education department at California Arts University, teaching graduate-level students.
Dr. Shin’s performance career includes appearances with the Seoul Youth Orchestra and Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra. She has performed in numerous solo and chamber recitals across South Korea and the U.S., and in orchestra concerts for music festivals throughout the U.S. and Canada.
While at Pennsylvania State University, she was a teaching assistant to James Lyon and a member of the Graduate String Quartet. As a founding member of the Alpaca String Quartet, she studied with Katie Lansdale and organized community outreach recitals. The quartet trained with Michael Tree (Guarneri Quartet), Katie Lansdale, Darrett Adkins (Lions Gate Trio), and the Chiara String Quartet. They were nominated as the Fellowship String Quartet at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and served as Resident String Quartet for the Aria International Music Academy in 2014.
Since 2022, Dr. Shin has been a founding member and second violin principal for the Four Seasons Camerata and Four Seasons Symphony in Garden Grove. She has also served as second violin principal for the Temecula Valley Symphony since 2023 and has performed with Corona Symphony and Dana Point Symphony (Sea Coast Symphony) since 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Dr. Ji Yeon Shin’s career reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence in performance and education. As a violinist, pedagogue, and mentor, she inspires and nurtures the next generation of musicians while maintaining a distinguished presence in the global music community.
Jung Hee An
Collaborative Piano
Jung Hee An is a highly accomplished pianist and educator with a distinguished academic background and an outstanding career as both a soloist and collaborative pianist. She holds a Master’s degree in Keyboard Collaborative Arts from the University of Southern California (USC), where she studied under Professor Kevin Fitz-Gerald on a full scholarship. Prior to this, she studied piano performance at USC under the legendary Professor Daniel Pollack.
Her education has provided her with a profound understanding of both solo and collaborative piano performance. In addition to her academic achievements, she is deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring young musicians. She currently serves as the Music Director for the Musical Workshop at Pasadena City College and as a pianist at California Arts University, where she shares her expertise with students.
Throughout her career, Jung Hee has demonstrated exceptional versatility across various musical genres and styles. As a collaborative pianist, she is renowned for her ability to engage in musical dialogue and interpretation. Her collaborative work includes performances with the Los Angeles Korean-American Musicians’ Association (LAKMA), the Suara Southeast Asian Choir, the Young Angels Choir, and The One Orchestra.
Beyond performing, Jung Hee plays a vital role in shaping the music community. She serves as the Chair of the Instrumental Division at the Southern California Korean Musicians Association, where she supports and fosters the growth of musicians in the region.
Through her dedication to both teaching and performance, Jung Hee An continues to inspire her students and colleagues. Her collaborative spirit and musical insight make her a valued educator and performer, ensuring a lasting impact on the music community.
Gene W. Lee
Composition
Dr. Gene Woo Lee was born in Busan, South Korea. After completing his early education, he earned degrees in music from multiple institutions, including Chosun University, Hanyang University, New England Conservatory, and Boston University. He furthered his studies at Georgia Central University, earning a Doctor of Musical Arts in Composition.
His career spans roles as a Composer, Educator, and Director in both South Korea and internationally. Notably, he has served as the International Director of the Seoul Contemporary Composer Association, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Korea Composer Association, and Director of various music festivals. He is currently the Director of TACM (Triple Alliance for Contemporary Music), Music Director of the Chamber Ensemble "Logos," and a jury member for several international music competitions.
As an educator, he has taught composition, harmony, orchestration, and more at numerous universities since 1985, including institutions such as Ewha Woman University, Chosun University, Hanyang University, and Pusan National University.
He has made significant contributions to the academic and music communities through his work in music festivals and as a composer, having written various compositions, including pieces for clarinet, piano, orchestra, and chamber ensembles. His works have been published and performed internationally. He is also active in international exchanges, organizing concerts and festivals across countries like China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and has been involved in numerous world music days and international festivals.
Additionally, he has contributed to various memorial albums, contemporary music recordings, and several publications celebrating his compositions and music contributions. His career includes a robust record of performances and collaborations with orchestras and music ensembles across the globe.