Voice, Piano, Ukulele
Junghyun Kim is a dedicated soprano and passionate music educator from South Korea, bringing over a decade of teaching experience in piano and voice. She is currently pursuing dual Master of Music degrees in Vocal Performance and Voice Pedagogy at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) in Nacogdoches, Texas, under the mentorship of Dr. Scott LaGraff. This marks her second master’s degree, following her earlier Master of Music in Vocal Arts from Kookmin University in Seoul.
Throughout her career, Junghyun has achieved recognition in numerous national and international music competitions, reflecting her commitment to excellence in performance. Her operatic repertoire includes significant roles as both lead and supporting characters. Notably, she has performed in productions such as “The Marriage of Figaro” and Kurt Weill’s “Street Scene” in the United States, showcasing her versatility and depth as a performer.
In addition to her vocal accomplishments, Junghyun is a certified instructor in piano and ukulele, holding multiple teaching certifications. At SFA’s University Prep School, she maintains a robust studio of over 17 students each semester, ranging from young children to adults. She also offers online lessons to students in Korea, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to reaching learners across the globe.
Junghyun specializes in chord-based accompaniment techniques, enabling students who may find traditional sheet music challenging to play piano more intuitively. This approach is particularly beneficial for performing hymns, pop songs, and other contemporary pieces, allowing students to confidently accompany themselves and others. Her experience as a vocalist who enhanced her piano skills through chordal study informs her empathetic teaching style, especially when assisting singers in developing their self-accompaniment abilities.
Beyond her teaching roles, Junghyun has served as an accompanist for various vocalists, string players, and church ensembles in the United States, showcasing her versatility and collaborative skills. She is also the choir soloist at The First United Methodist Church, contributing her talents to enrich worship services and community events.
Junghyun’s teaching philosophy emphasizes creating a joyful and flexible learning environment tailored to each student’s needs. She believes in building strong foundational techniques while encouraging creativity and self-expression, aiming to instill a lifelong love of music in her students.