Se-Hee Jin

Dr. Se-Hee Jin is a pianist of refined artistry and a dedicated pedagogue committed to shaping the next generation of musicians. Known for her insightful interpretations and expressive performances, she has been praised for her ability to shape intricate musical textures with clarity, precision, and exuberance.

She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music in Piano Performance and Literature (with a minor in Music Theory) from the Eastman School of Music and a Bachelor of Music from Ewha Womans University in South Korea. As an Assistant Professor of Piano at Texas Tech University, she provides comprehensive instruction in Applied Piano, Keyboard Literature, Keyboard Skills, and Chamber Music to students from the undergraduate to doctoral levels. She actively mentors students in research, competitions, and conferences, guiding them toward both artistic and professional growth.

Her performance career is defined by a rare combination of expressive depth, technical brilliance, and artistic clarity. Critics have described her playing as “brilliant” and “extraordinary,” highlighting her ability to reveal both the structural intricacies and expressive nuances of each piece. She has been recognized for her “beautiful tone and voicing” (Fanfare) and her ability to “present music in the best possible light, delivering moments of sheer poetry and dazzling virtuosity” (American Record Guide). Reviewers have also noted her “clarity, precision, and deep understanding of the score” (Piano News), allowing listeners to engage fully with the music beyond its technical demands (Tarraco’s Culture Club). One review remarked, “She brings a rare combination of expressivity and control, making even the most complex works sound effortless” (International Piano), while another described her performances as “expertly and persuasively presented, revealing the depth and brilliance of the repertoire” (Fanfare).

Dr. Jin has performed widely at prestigious venues, including Weill-Carnegie Hall, Kaufman Music Center, Bentley Recital Hall, and Seiji Ozawa Hall. She was a Leonard Bernstein Fellow at the Tanglewood Music Festival and participated in the Banff Summer Arts Festival in Canada. She has continued presenting recitals and master classes across the United States, Canada, Italy, China, and Korea, engaging with prospective students and supporting young pianists in their artistic and professional growth. Her collaborative performances with distinguished musicians have been featured on Backstage Pass on WXXI-FM Classical 91.5, Women in Music Festival at the Eastman School of Music, Festival of Contemporary Music, and various chamber music concerts.

Her research and performance interests span a diverse range of piano literature, including Bach’s The Art of Fugue, works by German and Russian Romantic composers, and American living composers. Actively engaged in both performance and research, she is currently working on recording projects that further explore this repertoire, emphasizing historically informed and artistically compelling interpretations. In addition to her solo projects, she has collaborated with TTU faculty members on several premiere recording projects, contributing to both traditional and contemporary repertoire.

Dr. Jin coordinates the annual TTU PianoFest, which provides exceptional opportunities for both prospective and current students through master classes and recitals with renowned guest artists. She also organizes workshops for young pianists, led by TTU piano pedagogy majors, fostering valuable learning experiences. To further expand the festival’s reach, she has incorporated remote master classes and educational sessions via Steinway Spiriocast, connecting students across different regions and allowing them to engage with Texas Tech’s piano program.

Committed to innovative approaches in music education, Dr. Jin integrates Steinway’s Spirio technology into her teaching, creating an engaging and forward-thinking learning environment. This approach enhances students’ artistic development by providing advanced tools for performance analysis, remote learning, and interactive instruction, allowing them to refine their craft and broaden their musical perspectives.

Beyond her performances and educational initiatives, Dr. Jin is a dedicated mentor who fosters a dynamic and supportive learning environment for her students. She has mentored students in research presentations and performances at major conferences, including the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) Conferences, MTNA Collegiate Symposiums, College Music Society Conferences, and the Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention. Her mentorship extends beyond the university, as she actively engages with young pianists through Master Classes, competition adjudications, and professional workshops, equipping them with the skills and experience necessary to thrive as performers, educators, and scholars.