FACULTY
Hyunjung Hwang
Composition | DMA Program Director
Dr. Hyun Jung Hwang is a distinguished composer, conductor, and educator with expertise in contemporary and sacred music. Her works have been performed at Walt Disney Concert Hall, Zipper Concert Hall, and Cerritos Performing Arts Center.
Education
Dr. Hwang holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Music Composition & Theory from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), as well as M.M. and B.A. in Music Composition from Seoul National University. Her academic foundation has shaped her into a leading figure in composition and theory.
Teaching & Leadership
She has served on the faculty of California Arts University, Kangnung National University, Seoul Women’s University, Bethesda University, and more. She also taught at UCLA’s Department of Music as a Teaching Assistant. Currently, she is the Conductor of the IAMS Youth Orchestra & Chamber Ensemble and Music Director of the New California Conservatory Youth Ensemble. She also serves as Resident Composer for the Love-in-Music Orchestra, Bethel Korean Church Orchestra, and UBF Orchestra.
Awards & Grants
Dr. Hwang has received numerous accolades, including:
• Winner – Seoul Music Festival (The Music Association of Korea)
• Winner – New Music Festival (KBS – Korean Broadcasting System)
• Dissertation Fellowship of the Year Award – UCLA
• Arts Educational Partnership Program Grant – 4th District Supervisor Don Knabe, USA
Publications & Recordings
She has contributed to contemporary Christian music (CCM) and academic research through:
• CCM Albums – Almighty Yahweh, God Is Wonder (TMG, USA), The Beginning of Love (BPM, Korea)
• Ph.D. Dissertation – Spirituality Incorporating into Olivier Messiaen’s Music
• Instructional CD – The Piano Technique for CM (Certificate Merit)
With a career spanning composition, conducting, teaching, and research, Dr. Hwang continues to inspire musicians and students alike, bridging academia and artistic expression.
Yumi Kim
Jazz Piano | MACMP Program Director
Dr. Yumi Kim is a highly accomplished jazz and pop keyboardist, K-Pop session player, songwriter, arranger, and educator. With an extensive career spanning live performances, studio recordings, and music education, she has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the Korean music industry.
Career Highlights
As a songwriter and session player, Dr. Kim has contributed her skills to a variety of projects, including recordings for artists such as Red Velvet, Byul, Lee Mun Sae, Sejoon Kahng, BtoB, Lenka, Soul Market, and Calvin Park. Her expertise in keys and piano has enriched numerous chart-topping songs and albums. She was also recognized for her songwriting abilities, winning 3rd place in the Juke-On Songwriting Competition.
As a K-Pop concert session player, Dr. Kim has performed with an impressive lineup of renowned artists, including Jo Sung Mo, JK Kim Dong Wook, Kim Jong Kook, HAHA, Fly to the Sky, Gummy, Kim Tae Woo, Lyn, Hwee Sung, Turbo, Ailee, Davichi, INSOONI, Kim Ho Joong, Lee Mujin, Burning Trotman, and many more. Her versatility and musicianship have made her a sought-after performer for live concerts
and tours.
Education
• Doctor of Church Music (DCM) – World Mission University
• Master of Music (MM) – University of Southern California
• Bachelor of Music (BM) – Berklee College of Music
• Associate of Arts (AA) – Seoul Institute of the Arts
Teaching & Mentorship
A dedicated educator, Dr. Kim serves as a full-time faculty member at California Arts University, where she mentors the next generation of musicians. She has also taught at institutions such as One Stop College Prep School, Top Learning Center, Nam Ju Hee Music Academy, Modern Applied Music Academy, and Serendip Music Academy.
With her deep passion for music and years of experience in the industry, Dr. Yumi Kim continues to inspire and shape the future of contemporary music through her performances, compositions, and teaching.
Mikyung Lim
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.
Piano | BAM Program Director
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Hojun Lee
Composition
Dr. Hojun Lee is a versatile musician with over 25 years of experience leading diverse musical ensembles, composing across multiple genres,
and performing as a pianist and organist. His passion for conducting has brought him to the podium of renowned ensembles, including the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Wind Ensemble, London Classical Soloists Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Chorale and Orchestra,
Amadeo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Royal Opera Group. He particularly enjoys directing his own choral, orchestral, and operatic works and currently serves as the music director of Sharing Choir.
Composer & Performer
Dr. Lee’s compositions span solo pieces, orchestral works, art songs, choral compositions, and operas. His music has been performed across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Egypt and is published by Hal Leonard, Fred Bock, and Colla Voce, among others.
As an accomplished solo and collaborative pianist and organist, he has performed at prestigious venues,
including:
• Carnegie Hall
• Walt Disney Concert Hall
• Seoul Arts Center
• Sejong Arts Center
Educator & Mentor
Dr. Lee holds a Ph.D. from UCLA and is a professor of music at California Arts University, where he teaches music theory, conducting, and composition. Through his teaching and mentorship, he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians, shaping their artistry with his deep expertise and creative vision.
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.
Jimyun Kim
Composition | IT Director
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 (CAU) 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.
YoungJin Choi
Sound Design
Chris Lee is a pianist, composer, producer, and educator with a diverse musical background. He studied Film Scoring at Berklee College of Music in Boston, specializing in orchestral and electronic composition across various genres and styles. Upon graduation, Chris relocated to Los Angeles, where he worked with esteemed film composers such as Jeff Rona, Mike Suby, and Joey Newman, whose credits include God of War 2, The Butterfly Effect, and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, among others. He also contributed additional music for the ABC series Make It or Break It.
As a passionate jazz pianist, Chris has performed extensively in Los Angeles and Korea in both piano trio and big band settings. He also toured with renowned violist and recording artist Richard Yongjae O’Neill across five cities in Korea, performing at prestigious venues such as Sejong Arts Center. These performances, featuring Chris’ orchestral arrangements of classical and jazz standards, were broadcast on national television.
Chris earned a Master’s degree in Jazz Piano from the University of Southern California (USC), where he studied and performed with distinguished faculty members Russell Ferrante, Bob Mintzer, Peter Erskine, and Alan Pasqua. After completing his degree, he began teaching in the Bachelor’s program at Musicians Institute, focusing on songwriting, keyboard performance, and composition. He later expanded his teaching portfolio at California Arts University, where he instructed courses in music technology, jazz ensemble, and the trend of contemporary music.
After relocating to Korea, Chris continued his work as a performer, composer, and educator. He arranged and played piano for the main theme on the soundtrack for tvN’s drama Maestra and remains an active faculty member at California Arts University, teaching students remotely. Additionally, he is currently instructing composition and keyboard students at the University of Suwon while engaging in various performances and music projects.
Chris Hyungmin Lee
Jazz Piano | Film Music
Kyungsoo Moon
Tenor
Dr. Kyung-Soo Moon is a distinguished music scholar, educator, and author with extensive expertise in vocal literature, performance, and music aesthetics. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin and both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Pusan National University.
Academic & Professional Experience
With a lifelong commitment to higher education, Dr. Moon has served in key academic leadership and faculty roles, including:
• Chair, Department of Music, Hansei University (former)
• Faculty, Sookmyung Women’s University – Applied Voice, Vocal Literature, and Thesis Supervision (Undergraduate & Graduate programs)
• Lecturer, Ewha Womans University – Vocal Literature
• Lecturer, Pusan National University – Vocal Performance, Vocal Literature, Music History, and Music Aesthetics
Publications
Dr. Moon has authored several influential books in the field of vocal studies, providing essential resources for students, performers, and researchers:
• Pronunciation Guide for Vocalists in Seven Languages
• English and American Art Song Literature
• German Art Song Literature I & II
• Issues and Corrections in Vocal Technique
Research & Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Moon’s research explores diverse aspects of vocal literature, music aesthetics, and compositional techniques, with numerous contributions to academic journals:
• “How Eclecticism is Affected by Chinese Music and Bali Gamelan Music in Benjamin Britten’s Songs from the Chinese, Op. 58” (Korean Association of Music, 1995)
• “A Study of the Lyrics of Benjamin Britten’s Opera Peter Grimes and the Expressive Technique of Britten’s Philosophy” (Journal of Society for Music and Korea, 2006)
• “A Study of Compositional Techniques for the Representation of Natural Phenomena and Psychological Expression in Schubert’s Die Winterreise, D. 911” (China Northern Music, 2008)
• “A Study on Leitmotif and Its Application for Dramatic Expression in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Musical Evita” (Home & Drama, Hubei Province, 2010)
Dr. Moon remains deeply engaged in vocal music education and research, shaping the next generation of musicians and scholars through his teaching, mentorship, and publications.
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.
Clara Lee
Soprano
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Dr. Wi Young Oh is an accomplished tenor, conductor, and vocal professor with a distinguished career in operatic performance, choral direction, and music education. He holds a Master of Divinity from Azusa Pacific University and a Certificate in Mozart Music, further refining his artistry under the mentorship of Professor Park In Soo of Seoul National University from 2014 to 2023.
Dr. Oh has portrayed leading operatic roles, including Yoon Dong Joo in Yoon Dong Joo at Disney Concert Hall in 2015, Samson in Samson and Delilah at San Gabriel Mission Playhouse in 2016, and Moses in Exodus at Disney Concert Hall in 2016. As a sought-after tenor soloist, he has performed in prestigious venues worldwide, including Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 at the LAKMA Peace Concerts at Disney Concert Hall in 2017, 2019, and 2022, Light of Hope as a soloist at Carnegie Hall in 2022, and Verdi’s Requiem at Disney Concert Hall in 2023. He has also been a featured soloist at the Peace Concerts at Seoul Arts Center in 2016 and Lotte Hall in 2019, as well as with the Elite Choir in Taiwan in 2020 and 2023.
Beyond his performances, Dr. Oh is an influential conductor and educator. He serves as the conductor of the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Choir, K.A.M.A Choir, and Golden Choir, while also holding a faculty position as a vocal professor at California Arts University. Additionally, he performs as a soloist with LAKMA, Vocielesti, Los Angeles Christian Singers (LACS), and Three Angels Choir.
With his deep passion for music and dedication to education, Dr. Oh continues to shape and inspire aspiring vocalists. Through his performances, conducting, and mentorship, he fosters artistic excellence and contributes to the enrichment of the classical music landscape.
Wi Young Oh
Tenor
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.
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
SungYun Min
Soprano
Seonghyang Kim
Dr. Seonghyang Kim is a distinguished pianist and educator known for his profound interpretations of Romantic repertoire and his expertise in piano pedagogy. His performances of Chopin, Liszt, and Scriabin have been praised for their expressive depth, refined tonal colors, and extraordinary technical command.
Renowned musicians and pedagogues have recognized his artistry. Dr. Jack Winerock from the University of Kansas described him as a pianist with “beautiful and varied colors” in his interpretations. Dr. Scott McBride Smith commended his “profound and articulate insight into piano technique,” while Dr. Steven Spooner from the Peabody Institute lauded his exceptional approach to Romantic works, leading to a personal introduction to esteemed pianist and scholar David Dubal.
Originally from South Korea, Dr. Kim began studying piano at the age of seven. His remarkable sense of rubato, rich tonal palette, and wide dynamic range make his performances uniquely artistic and deeply moving. Dr. Kim earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Kansas, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from SUNY Binghamton, and a Bachelor of Music Education from Kyungnam University. His research focuses on piano technique and injury prevention, as explored in his dissertation, Seymour Fink’s Mastering Piano Technique: Understanding Basic Technical Movements. His pedagogical approach emphasizes developing technical efficiency while minimizing the risk of injury, tailoring instruction to each student’s needs.
He has performed on KBS (Korea Broadcasting System) and FEBC Radio and in numerous concert venues, captivating audiences with his expressive artistry and technical brilliance. As a dedicated music educator, Dr. Kim is a faculty member at California Arts University, where he mentors aspiring pianists in performance and technique. He has also served as a jury member for prestigious competitions, including the International Piano Professionals Association and the International Altone Piano Competition.
With his deep passion for performance and teaching, Dr. Seonghyang Kim continues to inspire students and audiences alike, shaping the next generation of pianists with his artistry and pedagogical expertise.
Piano | Academic Dean
Jeewon Lee
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.
Currently, Dr. Lee serves as an Adjunct Professor at Konkuk University, Seoul, and is a dedicated faculty member at California Arts University’s Seoul department, where she is celebrated for her passion in inspiring and nurturing the next generation of musicians.
Piano | Music Department Director in Seoul
Ken Song
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.
Guitar
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 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 (CAU), 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.
Jung Hee An
Collaborative Piano