Dr. Yumy Lee Kim

Piano Faculty
Instruments: 
Piano
Program Area: 
Suzuki Education
Private Instruction
With Music Institute of Chicago since: 
2016
Education: 

At the age of 16, Dr. Kim was accepted at the prestigious preparatory division of the University of Music in Luebeck, where she continued her musical studies. After receiving diplomas in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy and a post-graduate performance certificate in Germany, she finished her studies at Northwestern University with a DMA Degree in Piano Performance as a scholarship recipient of the Dorothy L. Pound Award.

Significant teachers and mentors: 

Dr. Kim studied piano under the tutelage of Sylvia Wang, Konstanze Eickhorst and James Tocco. Additionally, she has participated in master classes with Karl-Heinz Kaemmerling, Pavel Gililov, Andrei Jaszinski, Younghi Moon and Lambert Orkis.

Teaching philosophy and areas of expertise: 

My goal is to develop in students an intuitive as well as analytical understanding for music that enables them to play the piano with joy. Based on Suzuki's philosophy I partner with parents to establish a nurturing environment which is key to develop talent. I believe that becoming an independent and self-motivated learner will help students to succeed not only in music but in any other area in their lives.

Awards and achievements: 

Dr.. Kim made her debut with the Hamburger Sinfonietta at the age of 15 at the Laeiszhalle Hamburg. After winning competitions, such as Steinway & Sons, German Teachers Association and Jugend Musiziert, she also appeared on various German TV and radio stations (Radio Hamburg, NDR 3).

Professional affiliations & activities: 

Dr.. Kim has also performed as a soloist with the Hamburger Sinfonietta, Hildesheim Philharmonie and Ahrensburg Youth Orchestra and performed in Germany, Spain, Hungary, Swiss, Denmark, South Korea and the U.S. Being a devoted educator as well, she currently serves as faculty member at DePaul University (CMD), the Music Institute of Chicago, and adjudicates at local piano competitions.