Meet Yae seul Kim | Pianist, Composer and Band leader

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

Hi Yae seul, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
The first transformative experience for me was a shift in my perspective on music. I had long pondered how to intertwine music with life until I became part of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and encountered the profound words of the esteemed pianist Danilo Pérez. He shared an anecdote that left an indelible mark on me: “I went to Panama in 1989, and right after I arrived, the U.S. invasion happened. I performed the concert anyway (I thought, if I die, I prefer to die playing). That day, people for and against the invasion came together to listen to music. That’s the power of music.” Upon hearing this narrative, my mindset underwent a significant transformation. Previously, I had viewed music merely as “work,” something I might engage in until the end of my days, seeking refuge elsewhere. However, Pérez perceived music as an intrinsic aspect of his being, enabling him to perform amid the chaos of war. This story, alongside his numerous teachings, has led me to no longer regard music as mere “work.” By embracing music as an integral part of myself, I find myself liberated from stress and struggle.

Furthermore, one of my core values is encapsulated in the phrase “feelings go away, results stay.” I have a penchant for meticulous planning, preferring the tangible act of writing down my schedules by hand in a notebook rather than relying on digital devices. Occasionally, when confronted with the comprehensive list of tasks laid out before me, I find myself grappling with feelings of stress. There are moments when the urge to procrastinate overwhelms me, and the desire to remain idle becomes palpable.
However, I firmly adhere to the belief that emotions are transient and ephemeral, offering little assistance in achieving my goals. Succumbing to momentary impulses impedes productivity and obstructs progress. Instead, I embrace a methodical and organized approach, steadfastly adhering to my plans and seeing them through to fruition. I consider this unwavering commitment to be paramount, particularly in leadership roles where guiding and motivating a multitude of individuals is imperative.

The third aspect that I hold in high regard is the recognition of the paramount importance of individuals and my keen insight into their dynamics, particularly within the realm of music. While individual practice undeniably holds significance, the cohesion of a cohesive group of musicians is equally vital. At Berklee, where I am currently situated, we are fortunate to be surrounded by a plethora of exceptionally talented musicians. Consequently, when it comes to performances or events, the ability to unite individuals and discern their reliability becomes indispensable.
Regrettably, some fail to grasp the intrinsic value of a performer. While I deeply appreciate individual brilliance, I firmly assert that it should not overshadow collective synergy. There have been instances where, despite acknowledging an individual’s talent, I have been compelled to part ways following discernible signs of an unsuitable mindset or an inability to fulfill responsibilities. Such decisive actions underscore the importance of discernment and recognition of the pivotal role that individuals play in the collaborative music-making process.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a Korean, my fervor for Latin American music, particularly Afro-Cuban music, knows no bounds. Recently, I had the esteemed privilege of attaining finalist status in the Jazz Piano Competition held as part of the 2024 Jacksonville Jazz Festival. Prior to this, I had been leading a contented and stable life in Korea. However, amidst the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic, the release of my album “Cucaracha” proved to be a transformative moment. This album not only marked a significant creative milestone but also paved the way for a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music for a world tour. In pursuit of this newfound opportunity, I made the bold decision to leave behind the comforts of home and embark on a journey to the unfamiliar terrain of the United States. Though I dearly miss my family, my loyal canine companion, and my circle of friends, my unwavering resolve to seize this educational opportunity underscores the depth of my passion for learning.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would recommend Seoul, Korea first. There is Namsan Tower here, which offers a beautiful night view overlooking Seoul at a glance. This place, which changes with each season, is remarkably beautiful, nestled amidst nature in the heart of the city. Secondly, I would recommend Jeonju. Located about two to three hours’ drive from Seoul, this city boasts a Hanok village where you can experience traditional Korean hanbok. It’s a perfect destination to immerse yourself in the essence of Korean culture, making it a must-visit for foreigners in Korea. Lastly, there’s Busan. As one of the second largest cities, Busan charms visitors with its vast sea and towering buildings, offering solace for those feeling overwhelmed. If you have a penchant for seafood, a visit to Busan is essential. The Pacific Raw Fish Restaurant, in particular, offers delectable and abundant seafood dishes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to Michel Camilo, renowned as one of the preeminent pianists, for acquainting me with the richness of Latin American music. Hailing from Korea, my exposure to Latin American music was limited until I stumbled upon his captivating performances on YouTube. Instantly captivated, my passion for delving into this genre soared. My journey to the United States was primarily fueled by the aspiration to immerse myself in the intricacies of Latin American music. Such was my admiration for Michel Camilo that I chose him as the focal point of my master’s thesis in jazz piano back in Korea. Our paths fortuitously crossed at the Blue Note in New York, where he generously imparted invaluable advice and even afforded me the privilege of a personal lesson—an honor beyond measure.

Secondly, I owe a debt of gratitude to Rebecca Cline and Zahili Gonzalez Zamora, both esteemed professors of piano at Berklee College of Music. I crossed paths with them approximately six months into my journey in the United States. Like me, they had also traversed the halls of Berklee as late undergraduates and subsequently graduated. Finding myself in this unfamiliar territory at a later stage in life, I am surrounded by younger companions, ranging from 17 to 23 years old. While I firmly believe that age is inconsequential, the variances in life experiences inevitably influence perspectives. Consequently, I find solace in seeking advice from these professors and engaging in enriching conversations with them.
They have proven to be invaluable mentors, offering guidance and support in abundance. Moreover, their musical prowess is nothing short of awe-inspiring. I am immensely grateful to have them in my life, not only as mentors but also as friends with whom I can openly share and discuss my challenges.

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