An active performer, pianist Youmee Kim has appeared in over 150 performances in recitals, concert series, festivals and conferences in Canada, Serbia, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and across the United States including to high acclaim at Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall). She can be heard on a solo piano CD Journey to America: American Contemporary Piano Music (Centaur Records 3631, 2017), which includes magnificent Benjamin Lees's Odyssey I and II and a world premiere recording of Primosch's Pure Contraption, Absolute Gift, with critical acclaim described as “…wonderfully articulated, terrific, magnificent… fiery playing and delicate touch….” (American Record Guide, Fanfare Magazine).
As an active chamber pianist, Dr. Kim also recorded Clarinet and Piano Fantasies with Rebecca Rischin (Centaur Records 3538, 2017) with critical acclaim, where her collaborative piano performance was described as “imaginative and technically immaculate….plays with great suavité allied to great delicacy….perfectly supportive recital partner” (Fanfare Magazine). Her other CDs include Ars Nostra: Persona piano duo with S. Lee (Centaur Records 3343, 2014), and Samplings, New Recordings for the Bassoon and Piano with M. Morris (MSR Music LLC, 2015).
An active scholar and a specialist in contemporary piano music, she has authored the book An Analysis and Performance Guide to Benjamin Lees' Odyssey I and II (VDM Verlag, Germany, 2008), has been frequently invited to and present contemporary music including keynote presentation at Seoul National University of Education’s Brain Pool conference in South Korea and premiere new piano works including Perino’s Piano Sonata No. 2 in New York City. She recently held a concert using an electronic device titled, Youmee Kim & Electronic Friends, and was also invited to perform at the Spring Performing Series hosted by Ruthmere Foundation.
A dedicated teacher, Dr. Kim has over eighteen years of college teaching experience with outstanding records and served as a judge at national piano competitions such as La Pianista International Piano Competition, World Piano Teachers Associations International Competition, and most recently at 2021 Robert B. Beardsley Piano Prize Competition.
Dr. Kim received degrees from Ewha Womans University in Korea (Bachelor of Music), Indiana University (Master of Music and Performer Diploma), and Ohio State University (Doctor of Musical Arts) in piano performance where she served as a graduate teaching associate. Currently she is a piano faculty member at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) and prior to joining OWU, she served at Ohio University and Wright State University. As a music educator, she was selected by 2022 Marquis Who’s Who in America.