Meet Daeun Kim | Pianist, Collaborative Artist & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daeun Kim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daeun, what makes you happy? Why?
What makes me happy is seeing growth—both in others and in myself. Teaching brings me a deep sense of fulfillment, especially when I see students gain confidence, clarity, and joy in their music. Being part of that process reminds me why I chose this path.
I also find happiness in my own growth as a performer. Through practicing and performing, I continue to discover new perspectives and possibilities in music, which keeps the work meaningful and alive.
Finally, collaborating with many different musicians brings me great joy. Creating one cohesive musical experience out of diverse voices, ideas, and backgrounds is deeply rewarding, and it constantly reminds me of the power of music as a shared experience.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work as a pianist centers on thoughtful, collaborative music-making and on developing strong musical identities through individualized artistic choices. While I was trained primarily as a solo pianist, my professional path expanded significantly when I began working in collaborative and educational performance environments during my doctoral studies in the United States.
Through extensive work with choral and collaborative projects—such as performances with the American Choral Directors Association, National Concerts, and professional ensembles like Orpheus Chamber Singers—I came to understand that musical excellence does not come from uniformity. Instead, it emerges when individual strengths are recognized, supported, and brought together within a shared musical goal. This perspective has become central to how I approach performance, interpretation, and leadership as a musician.
The journey has not always been easy. One of the main challenges I faced was learning how to clearly articulate musical ideas that I had previously understood only intuitively or physically at the piano. Through teaching, research, and reflective practice, I learned to examine my own assumptions, develop multiple approaches to musical problems, and communicate artistic decisions with greater clarity. These challenges ultimately strengthened both my playing and my ability to work with others.
I now bring this approach directly into my work as a pianist and as a Visiting Professor of Piano at Tarleton State University. In both performance and teaching, I treat repertoire as something flexible—something that responds to the performer’s strengths, personality, and musical goals rather than fixed expectations.
This philosophy is reflected most clearly in my upcoming recital on March 20 at Kawai Hall in Plano, Texas. Designed for students preparing for U.S. undergraduate piano auditions, the recital combines performance with explanation to make artistic decision-making visible. Rather than presenting a single “correct” interpretation, the program demonstrates how different musical choices can highlight different strengths. I am especially excited about this project because it represents the convergence of my performance practice, collaborative experience, and educational values.
What I hope people take away from my work is that music thrives on listening, adaptability, and individuality. My story—and my brand as an artist—is about creating meaningful musical experiences by honoring difference and shaping sound with intention.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting the area, one of the first places I would take them would be the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. It is a major cultural hub where the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and world-class musicians perform regularly, and it plays a central role in the city’s musical life. I will also be performing there myself on April 13, which makes it a very special place to me.
I would build much of the week around the Dallas Arts District, visiting the Dallas Museum of Art and attending live performances whenever possible. For coffee breaks, I love stopping by local cafés such as La La Land Kind Cafe or Ascension Coffee, which are great places to slow down and talk between rehearsals or concerts.
For meals, I would take my friend to places like Eataly Dallas for a relaxed but lively atmosphere. In Plano, I enjoy quieter, neighborhood-style spots where you can spend time without rushing.
I would also make sure to include time outdoors—walking through parks or trails—to balance the city’s energy. What excites me most about this area is the people. The musicians, artists, and educators here are deeply committed to their work, and spending time with them—at concerts, rehearsals, or over a simple meal—is one of the best ways to experience the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family and to the professors and musicians I have had the privilege to work with. My family has always believed in my potential, often before I fully recognized it myself, and their constant support has been the foundation that allowed me to pursue this path with confidence.
I am especially grateful to the professors who gave me a wide range of opportunities and helped me develop collaborative skills within my piano performance. Through their guidance and trust, I learned how to approach the piano not only as a solo instrument, but also as a collaborative voice within larger musical settings. I am equally thankful to the musicians I have worked with, whose openness and artistry continue to shape how I listen, respond, and create music with others.

Website: https://daeunkimpiano.wixsite.com/my-site-1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdaeun__/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daeun-kim-64a823338/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ekdmsgkfn

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw9q6UdKTTCzIFh8Nuy_CKw