Hyun Jung Lee

Education

MM, DePaul University

BM, Indiana State University

Hyun Jung Lee is a versatile pianist and educator whose artistic and pedagogical work bridges the traditions of the past and the innovations of the present. She began studying piano at age eight and quickly demonstrated exceptional musical aptitude, earning numerous prizes in national competitions in Korea throughout her youth. These early recognitions included awards from the Sekwang, Arirang, and Busan DongBaek music competitions, establishing the foundation for her lifelong pursuit of artistic excellence. Building upon her early success in Korea, she continued her musical journey in the United States, where she began her undergraduate studies in piano performance and gradually shaped her international career. Her international recognition includes First Prize at the Brussels Grand Prize Virtuoso and the Golden Classical International Music Awards, as well as the top prize at the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition.

Hyun Jung’s performance repertoire spans from the Baroque era to the twenty-first century compositions, reflecting her deep command of stylistic diversity and musical interpretation. She has performed extensively throughout the United States and abroad, earning distinction for programs that highlight diverse and stylistically varied compositions. In addition to her solo work, she has maintained an active collaborative career, partnering with instrumentalists, vocalists, and chamber ensembles across various settings.

Notably, she was selected to perform alongside Hartt’s Foot in the Door (FITD) Contemporary Music Ensemble, appearing twice in performances of works by living composers. In 2024, she performed at the world premiere of Joseph Schwantner’s Fast Track with the Hartt Wind Ensemble, a newly commissioned percussion concerto by the “Pulitzer Prize-winning composer”. She has also taken masterclasses by renowned pianists, including Professors Krzysztof Kawalla, Gabriel Shapiro, and Boris Slutsky, further enriching her artistic insight and interpretive approach.

Currently, Hyun Jung holds dual professional appointments at the University of Hartford. She serves as a Staff Collaborative Pianist at The Hartt School, accompanying undergraduate students in lessons, juries, and recitals. Furthermore, she is a Piano Faculty member at the Hartt Community Division (HCD), where she teaches students of diverse ages and levels and participates annually in formal performance evaluations.

As an active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the Connecticut State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA). Hyun Jung continues to contribute to her musical community through teaching, performing, and adjudicating. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, under the mentorship of Professor José Ramos Santana.