Biography

Agnes Kim

Agnes Kim, a native born of Korea, received her early musical training from her mother. Ms. Kim won various competitions from an early age and at 12 in 1981, she performed with the Korye Symphony Orchestra in the National Theatre in Korea. Upon moving to United States with her family in 1983, she was awarded with a full scholarship to continue her study at the School of Performing Arts (now changed to Colburn School) in Los Angeles. Her performance there brought her honors and was broadcasted in the classical radio station. Later, she was accepted to USC School of Music, where she received her Bachelor, Master’s degree as well as the DMA (doctoral of musical arts) in Piano Performance. Her major piano teachers at USC include James Bonn, Kevin Fitz-Gerald and Malcom Hamilton for her minor instrument, harpsichord. While studying at USC, she was granted an opportunity to study under the renowned French concert pianist, Cecil Ousset in France during the summer of 1991.

Ms. Kim has participated and won many competitions including solo/concerto competitions sponsored by MTAC, Southern California Junior Bach Festivals, Young Artist Piano Competitions, and many local/state/national scholarship competitions. Upon completion of her DMA from USC , she was hired as an adjunct faculty at the Antelope Valley College where she has taught class piano, music fundamental, keyboard harmony, and applied music (individual lesson). While working at the college, she also appeared with the Antelope Valley Symphony Orchestra at the Lancaster Performing Center. Presently, she is keeping her musical career through her private teaching as an active member of  MTAC (Music Teachers Association of California), SYMF (Southwestern Youth Music Festival), MTNA( Music Teachers of National Association) and CAPMT (California Association of Professional Music Teachers). In her Santa Clarita branch of MTAC, she has served as a chairman of branch recitals and currently serves as the vice-president and also chairs the Southern California Jr. Bach Festival. Under her direction, her students have won various competitions, festivals, and performed at recitals. Many of them have matriculated at renowned music schools such as Oberlin, Mannes, USC, CSUN, University of Pacific, and Master’s College. In addition, Ms. Kim is an experienced evaluator as she has judged many competitions and festivals, and is in demand as an adjudicator.