Today we’d like to introduce you to Eugene Kim.
Hi Eugene, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi, my name is Eugene Kim.
I am a professional musician and music educator and live in the Santa Clarita Valley with my lovely wife, Akaylah, and nine-month-old son, Johann.
I quit piano lessons in 2nd grade and that would’ve been the end of my story if my mom didn’t convince me to go to an instrument “petting zoo” in 5th grade. I tried all the band instruments and couldn’t make a sound on a single one except for the clarinet, so that’s the one I chose (with a shrug). I was in band for fun, and didn’t practice until I barely made the district honor band as 14th chair in 7th grade. For the first time in my life, I was surrounded by musicians my age that were all better than me and I realized I had been a big fish in a small pond.
I started practicing clarinet 1-2 hours a day. I started playing piano again and practiced that 1-2 hours a day as well. I made first chair in the district honor band in 8th grade and again in 12th grade, along with playing in the all-state honor band. I ended up joining the high school marching band, jazz band, and jazz choir. I became section leader, then drum major of the band, leading the band to my high school’s first gold medal at state championships. Whether it was playing clarinet, singing, conducting, or improvising jazz, music was my whole life; so naturally, I decided to study music in college.
I applied and was accepted to The Master’s College (now The Master’s University) as a music major in clarinet performance. Halfway through my first year, I developed severe tendonitis in both arms and could no longer play music. My entire identity as a performer was shattered. Reluctantly, I decided to study music education but told myself I would never be a music teacher. My education professor, Dr. Jordan Morton, and music professors, Dr. Stephen Opfer and Dr. Paul Plew, convinced me otherwise. I found myself coaching students at several local high schools and found that I loved teaching. I graduated with a dual emphasis in music education and clarinet performance. Some highlights in college include recording at Capitol Records and touring in Israel, Italy, Albania, and Carnegie Hall.
Since graduating college and getting my teaching credential, I’ve been teaching band, choir, strings, and jazz for six years at two public schools, earned my Master’s Degree in Education, and recently was chosen for “teacher of the year” at my current school. I continue to play clarinet and piano for several local orchestras and churches. Living close to LA has also allowed me to meet some amazing professional musicians and record and play for the local entertainment industry. I am so thankful for my teachers who invested in me and I love being able to pass on what I’ve learned to my students.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have had medial and lateral epicondylitis in both arms since my freshman year of college. A combination of tension, improper technique, and long hours practicing with repetitive motion severely damaged the muscles in my arms. At its worst, I was so limited in mobility, I couldn’t drive, write, or play music for six months.
During that time in college, I lost hope in my future as a performing musician. Physical therapy only helped so much as most doctors recommended that I stop playing music entirely. My piano teacher at the time, Kellie Cunningham, reminded me not to place my hope in my circumstances, but in God who is in control over all things. For better or worse, I ended up switching my emphasis from music performance to education.
To this day, I still struggle with tendonitis flares. I can’t go bowling, rock climb, or carry heavy things. I can only type on the computer or practice for up to 45 minutes before I have to stop. My pain has taught me to make the most of what I am able to do and to depend on others instead of myself.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I teach music at Castaic High School and was recently chosen as my school’s teacher of the year.
I 100% believe that I make an impact on my students everyday and take pride in helping shape the next generation.
I don’t just teach music, I teach humans. Music is a vehicle that helps students learn life skills such as showing up for yourself every day, being accountable to others, taking and giving feedback, learning to listen, and being sensitive to the needs of others. At the end of the day, my hope is that students in my classes grow to be the best version of themselves and learn how to live and work alongside others.
One highlight of teaching was seeing my students win three gold medals at band state championships.
Another highlight is seeing my students “make it” after graduating and come back and visit.
Besides teaching, I also play clarinet and piano professionally. My other emphasis in college besides music education was clarinet performance and I’ve been thankful to be able to play clarinet with some of the best musicians in the LA area. I also play piano for churches and weddings.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m happy to talk with anyone who wants to get together and make music or talk about music education.
If you need a clarinetist or pianist, please reach out.
My email is [email protected] and my instagram handle is @eugenekimmusic.
Pricing:
- Contact for me for lesson/performance rates!
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugenekimmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eghskim
Image Credits
Wesley Jow
Ruthy Horak
Lea Guo
