New Zealand pianist, Joohae Kim, discovered her passion for the piano at the age of three. Under the guidance of pedagogue Rae de Lisle, she pursued her studies in piano performance at the University of Auckland, where she excelled and earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with top honors. In 2008, Joohae received an invitation to attend Florida State University, where she completed her Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance under the mentorship of Read Gainsford. Her research focused on four selected Landscape Preludes, which she showcased in her debut performance at Carnegie Hall in 2012.

Throughout her career, Dr. Kim has garnered recognitions in various piano competitions, including the Kerikeri Piano Competition, Kapiti Coast National Piano Competition, and Christchurch National Piano Concerto Competition. As a soloist, she has collaborated with orchestras such as the Magnolia Chamber Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, and Bach Musica Chamber Orchestra of New Zealand. Her captivating recitals and concerto performances have been recorded and broadcasted by Radio New Zealand and Concert FM Radio as part of the Young New Zealand series. Dr. Kim was sought after as a Collaborative Guest Artist at Whitehead Hall, Valdosta State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Tulane University, Loyola University, and the University of Kentucky. In 2014, her piano trio, “Lumineux,” was invited to perform and conduct masterclasses at the music festival in Te Anau, New Zealand. Additionally, she has had the privilege of collaborating with artists such as Felix Wang, Michael Strauss, William Campbell, Jonas Thomas, David Requiro, Roger Myers, and Jesús Castro-Balbi.

Dr. Kim’s dedication and expertise in both teaching and performing have earned her several notable accolades, including the University of Auckland Blues Awards for Achievement in Music in Piano Performance. She was also a recipient of the Miss Willa Chapman Award from the Rotary Club of Tallahassee. Previously, she served as a Collaborative Faculty Artist at the University of Southern Mississippi and as the Secondary Piano area coordinator at Lee University. Starting in August 2023, Joohae will assume the role of Assistant Professor of Piano at Bryan College, where she will teach Applied Piano lessons, Class Piano, and Music Theory sequences. Despite her busy schedule, she continues to enchant audiences as a soloist and collaborative artist, while also serving as a pianist in the music ministry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Cleveland, Tennessee. Outside her musical career, Joohae enjoys taking long walks and exploring new destinations with her family.