Born in 1996 in South Korea, pianist Seonju Jo’s musical journey began in her early years when she developed a deep love for songs and singing. However, her life took a decisive turn when she heard the captivating melodies of a nearby piano academy while attending kindergarten. These enchanting sounds kindled a lifelong passion for the piano.
Seonju Jo found immense joy in playing her favorite childhood songs on the piano. She decided to attend an art middle school to receive specialized piano education, a pivotal step in her musical development.
Her exceptional talent caught the attention of the music world when she performed her first solo recital on an international stage at the Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF) in South Korea. Impressively, she was the youngest artist ever to hold her own recital at this prestigious event.
Continuing her musical education, Seonju Jo attended an art high school where she received valuable instruction from renowned teachers. During this time, she achieved a significant milestone by winning the Han-eum Music Competition in Seoul, South Korea, and also performed Schumann’s Concerto Op.54 with the Busan Youth Orchestra.
Seonju Jo’s dedication to her craft led her to graduate summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from Pusan National University. Her professors provided individualized mentorship, and the university offered a rich academic environment conducive to in-depth exploration of piano performance. She garnered recognition in various competitions and festivals, including being a semifinalist in the International Keyboard Odyssey Festival, winning first prize in the Wonderkeys International Piano Competition, and securing first prize in the Medici International Competition. She was also selected as a presenter at the 2023 MTNA National Conference, where she discussed “Raising Professional Pianists Through Piano Repertoire from Young Beginner to Intermediate Stages.”
Seonju Jo continues to pursue excellence by earning master’s degree in piano performance. She is earning a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degree and serving as a teaching assistant at the University of Texas at Austin under the guidance of Professor Gregory Allen.
Beyond her own musical journey, Seonju Jo has shared her knowledge and passion for music with students in both South Korea and the United States. Today, she is not only an accomplished pianist and accompanist but also a dedicated instructor, inspiring the next generation of musicians on both sides of the globe.
You can find Seonju’s 2023 European Music Competition piano performance here.