Note-worthy Experiences Music Studio
F E A T U R E
Interview with Sanghee Kim Lee
F E A T U R E
Interview with Sanghee Kim Lee
How old were you when you first learned a musical instrument?
I started playing piano at the age of 6. When I lived in Korea, my neighbor owned a music studio with many different instruments. The piano caught my eye. I started to take piano lessons from my neighbor and fell in love. I would run home to my mother, raving about how much fun it was and miming the movements that I had learned that day. My mother, who took note of my excitement, surprised me with my very own piano shortly after! From then on, I was dedicated to becoming a performer.
When did you first begin teaching music?
I started teaching piano while studying at college. The music department at my school had an open call for instructors. I applied and was assigned a few students. At first, even though I was teaching young children, I found it difficult. Those experiences taught me that performing piano was a much different skill than teaching. That philosophy still holds true to my everyday life, and I have been committed to becoming the best teacher and pianist that I can be.
What do you do outside of performing and teaching?
When I am not performing or teaching, I love being an audience member for other talented musicians. I enjoy going to concerts in the area and I am also a big fan of musical shows, whether they are on Broadway or off. Recently, I've started taking yoga classes and taking walks frequently. I try to spend some time outdoors in the fresh air whenever I can.
Who are some of your most inspiring teachers?
When I was in middle school, I had a piano teacher who was one of the most passionate individuals I have met. She was always raving about all things music, whether it was composition, music history or conducting, she always wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to music. She was a good role model in showing me that a life of music was okay to pursue and it could lead to a happy life. Another inspiring teacher was an instructor I met at Longy School of Music. She was a very strict, but knowledgeable person. During her lessons, she would not really give a lot of praise, but rather focus on what needed improving. I felt like her methods could be intense at times, but it ultimately taught me how to have a good work ethic and how to always strive to improve.
Both teachers, despite their different styles, shared a true passion for music. They care deeply about their students’ growth, and their teachings are now being passed on to my own students.
What do you hope students learn out of music?
I hope every student can learn the value of practicing and believing in yourself. Music and performance are things that take a lot of courage and dedication. I want each of my students to know that it takes time to become good at anything, but a good work ethic will make anything possible! Many may question why music matters, or if music education is necessary for attending good schools and securing jobs. I want to use this quotation to respond, “The human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for”. I believe the same applies to music, resonating how it can make a true impact on many people’s lives.
Learn more about our Piano teacher Sanghee Kim Lee in her Teacher Page.
I started playing piano at the age of 6. When I lived in Korea, my neighbor owned a music studio with many different instruments. The piano caught my eye. I started to take piano lessons from my neighbor and fell in love. I would run home to my mother, raving about how much fun it was and miming the movements that I had learned that day. My mother, who took note of my excitement, surprised me with my very own piano shortly after! From then on, I was dedicated to becoming a performer.
When did you first begin teaching music?
I started teaching piano while studying at college. The music department at my school had an open call for instructors. I applied and was assigned a few students. At first, even though I was teaching young children, I found it difficult. Those experiences taught me that performing piano was a much different skill than teaching. That philosophy still holds true to my everyday life, and I have been committed to becoming the best teacher and pianist that I can be.
What do you do outside of performing and teaching?
When I am not performing or teaching, I love being an audience member for other talented musicians. I enjoy going to concerts in the area and I am also a big fan of musical shows, whether they are on Broadway or off. Recently, I've started taking yoga classes and taking walks frequently. I try to spend some time outdoors in the fresh air whenever I can.
Who are some of your most inspiring teachers?
When I was in middle school, I had a piano teacher who was one of the most passionate individuals I have met. She was always raving about all things music, whether it was composition, music history or conducting, she always wore her heart on her sleeve when it came to music. She was a good role model in showing me that a life of music was okay to pursue and it could lead to a happy life. Another inspiring teacher was an instructor I met at Longy School of Music. She was a very strict, but knowledgeable person. During her lessons, she would not really give a lot of praise, but rather focus on what needed improving. I felt like her methods could be intense at times, but it ultimately taught me how to have a good work ethic and how to always strive to improve.
Both teachers, despite their different styles, shared a true passion for music. They care deeply about their students’ growth, and their teachings are now being passed on to my own students.
What do you hope students learn out of music?
I hope every student can learn the value of practicing and believing in yourself. Music and performance are things that take a lot of courage and dedication. I want each of my students to know that it takes time to become good at anything, but a good work ethic will make anything possible! Many may question why music matters, or if music education is necessary for attending good schools and securing jobs. I want to use this quotation to respond, “The human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for”. I believe the same applies to music, resonating how it can make a true impact on many people’s lives.
Learn more about our Piano teacher Sanghee Kim Lee in her Teacher Page.
