About Us
Purpose
Music is an inexhaustible field of inquiry, and a true artist must remain a lifelong learner. I chose the name “The Piano Lab” because I envision this studio as more than a private teaching space; it is a dynamic environment where both the teacher and the student engage in a collaborative journey of discovery. My 20-plus years of pedagogical experience have taught me that every challenge a student faces is a research opportunity, and finding those solutions is the very foundation of this Lab.
— Young Whun Kim, Director & Founder
Vision
While The Piano Lab begins with personalized instruction by the Director, our vision is far-reaching. We are committed to evolving into an integrated arts collective by establishing strategic partnerships with specialists in conducting, music theory, and composition. Our roadmap includes building a collaborative faculty to offer students a multi-dimensional perspective on music, ensuring that the Lab remains a growing, research-driven community dedicated to the highest standards of education.
About the Director
Young Whun Kim is a multifaceted artist whose career seamlessly integrates performance, pedagogy, and academic scholarship. Currently serving as a Teacher of Applied Music at Washington University in St. Louis, he is a dedicated mentor to the next generation of musicians.
A highly sought-after soloist and collaborative pianist, Mr. Kim has performed extensively across the United States. A notable highlight of his performing career includes a featured concerto performance with the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. His reputation for artistic excellence has led to frequent invitations as a Guest Artist at prestigious institutions, including Ball State University, Grand Valley State University, Butler University, and DePaul University, where he continues to engage with musical communities through regular recitals and masterclasses.
Mr. Kim’s academic journey began at Seoul National University (BM) and continued at the renowned Indiana University Jacobs School of Music (MM). He is currently a doctoral candidate (DMA) in Piano Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he won the UIUC Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition.
During his doctoral studies at UIUC, a pivotal moment occurred when a hand injury required surgery and a period of intensive recovery. Demonstrating his profound commitment to musical growth, Mr. Kim utilized this time to pivot his focus toward the rigorous study of conducting. This experience provided him with a unique, bird’s-eye view of musical structure and artistic leadership, transforming a period of physical limitation into one of significant intellectual and musical expansion.
Deeply committed to professional standards, Mr. Kim is an active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), the Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA), the St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association (SLAMTA), and the American Federation of Musicians. His authority is further evidenced by his role as a distinguished adjudicator for competitions such as the SEJONG Music Competition and the Midwest National Chamber Music Competition.
With over 20 years of experience, Mr. Kim brings this wealth of world-class performance, scholarly research, and multifaceted musical training to his private studio, The Piano Lab STL. Here, he offers students a sophisticated, research- driven curriculum designed to foster both technical mastery and deep musical understanding.
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in the Piano Lab! To register or learn more, please fill out the following form, and we will be in touch with you shortly.