Soyoung Nam’s passion for the piano was nurtured from a young age, inspired by her mother, a dedicated piano instructor. Her musical journey began in earnest at Sunhwa Art Middle/High School, a prestigious conservatory in Korea, where she studied under Professor Jinwoo Jeong. Her talent and dedication led her to Seoul National University, one of Korea’s most esteemed institutions, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance under the guidance of Professor Myounghak Lee.
Driven by a desire to expand her horizons, Soyoung moved to the United States to pursue graduate studies. She first attended the Peabody Conservatory, studying under Professor Ellen Mack, and continued her education at the University of Southern California with Professor Bernadene Blaha.
With the blessing of three children, Soyoung returned to Korea, where she balanced family life with her love for teaching and performance. She taught piano privately and served as an accompanist in her church, fostering a deep connection to her local community through music.
In 2020, Soyoung embarked on her Master’s degree journey in Piano Performance at San Jose State University under the tutelage of Professor Gwendolyn Mok, an acclaimed authority on Ravel. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic turned her academic experience into an extraordinary challenge. The transition to online learning meant that for three semesters, she navigated her studies virtually, missing out on traditional elements such as master classes, competitions, and summer schools.
Despite these limitations, Soyoung found solace and fulfillment in chamber music collaborations and piano partnerships. The isolation of the pandemic did not deter her; instead, it deepened her commitment to music and strengthened her adaptability as an artist. As the fall semester brought a gradual return to in-person activities, Soyoung embraced the renewed sense of community and the revival of the music department’s vibrant spirit.
Soyoung’s resilience and dedication culminated in her successfully completing her Master’s degree, highlighted by a stunning graduation recital featuring works by Bach, Ravel, and Chopin. She continued to expand her musical engagements, playing for musicals at the Palo Alto Children’s Theater and participating as a staff pianist in the 2023 San Jose State University Summer Flute Festival. Since 2020, she has also served as an accompanist at New Life Church in Fremont, bringing her exceptional skills to support her church community.
With over a decade of teaching experience, Soyoung is celebrated for her ability to help students overcome technical challenges and reach advanced levels of piano playing. Her students consistently achieve distinction awards in the ABRSM exams, the highest honors in the system, and many are preparing for higher grades and prestigious awards. Soyoung’s teaching philosophy emphasizes not only technical proficiency but also an appreciation for the beauty of music and the joy of playing the piano.
