Meet Hee Jin Yoon, Harpist in Orange County

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hee Jin Yoon.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Hee Jin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Boston, MA and grew up in Seoul, Korea. I started playing piano at the age of 7, and at 11, stared harp lessons from my aunt who was a principal harpist in Korean Symphony Orchestra. I auditioned Seoul Arts High School in harp performance and got accepted. This was when I really got serious about harp.

After finishing undergraduate in Seoul National University, I moved to US to continue study in harp. I earned Masters degree in University of Cincinnati and Performance Diploma in Indiana University. In 2012, I moved to LA with my husband and two dachshunds and continued my carrier as a teacher and performer.

Great, 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?
For the most part it has been a smooth road. I was so fortunate because I met many great mentors in my life. But, there also have been always some challenges every time I had to move to different cities. I lived in Korea until mid my 20s and continued graduate studying in US, mid central region and established teaching studio in Cincinnati, OH for 5years. But, when I moved to LA in 2012, I had to start everything from scratch. These challenges made me stronger. Now, I feel confidence with my business.

Hee Jin Yoon, Harpist – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
As a professional freelancing-harpist, I teach harp for students most of time, but I also play with different orchestras and frequently playing in solo, chamber concerts and many events. Most of all, I enjoy collaborating with other musicians for concerts and educational program. In addition to my private teaching studio, I founded Los Angeles Youth harp ensemble (LYHE) with my colleague, Koni Choi who is also a harpist. We coach and train young talented harpists in the Greater Los Angeles and Orange county area. I really enjoy working with young students and seeing our students’ growth as harpists. As a music teacher, I believe that the key to success is patience with young students.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I have taught many students from as young as 4 and adult students. Watching their growth in harp is priceless and absolute happiness to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.heejinyoon.com
• Phone: 714-388-6238
• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Ben Chan Photography
White Photo Studio

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