"Love is like playing the piano. First, you must learn to play by the rules,

       then you must forget the rules and play from your heart."

 

Good piano playing starts from the loving heart to music. The goal of Hamilton Mill Piano Studio is to produce a graduate who will make music his or her lifetime companion. This relationship show itself in many different ways; an ability to perform beloved music for oneself or friends and family, the ability to improvise and play by ear, and the desire to enjoy music in concert halls and through various media. Only few might become professional musicians, but everyone who comes to the studio will become a music lover for life. 

 

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Dr. Sun Hee Kim,

              director

 

D.M.A.  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

M.M.  College-Conservatory of Music;

University of Cincinnati

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Sun Hee Kim is a professional pianist who has more than 20 years of teaching and performing experience in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Korea. Her most recent position before opening this studio was Assistant Professor in Piano at Central State University in Ohio. She received a doctoral degree in music from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as a master of music degree from University of Cincinnati.

 

Dr. Kim has served as an adjudicator/faculty pianist/accompanist in numerous auditions, competitions and music festivals over a decade. As an active accompanist, she has worked with numerous professional musicians in collaborative recitals and opera/musical theatre productions. She also appeared in guest artist series at universities and conservatories throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

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Piano Instruction

 

Piano instruction in Hamilton Mill Piano Studio combines two different approaches: 

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• A practical training to learn a classical repertoire, emphasizing on technique, in-depth interpretation, and well-rounded expressions.

• A more lively and stylistically divers approach, accommodating for students' various needs and interests.

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Teaching Curriculum

 

The curriculum will be tailored to match every student’s specific learning needs, with consideration of the age, maturity level, individual traits, family history, and personal goals. Each lesson will be a balanced mixture of music fundamentals, basic piano techniques, and repertoire. 

 

Performance Opportunities

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Hamilton Mill Piano Studio holds an annual studio recital in April. Recital program consists of solo and ensemble performances by students, as well as special performance by local professional musicians. 

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In addition to the annual recital, students participate in either Gwinnett County Music Day Festival (Fall) or National Federation of Music Clubs Festival (Spring), for having the opportunity to perform and receive a yearly evaluation in a non-competitive environment.

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Advanced level students have opportunities to compete in the State Audition held by Georgia Music Teachers Association (Spring). Masterclasses are offered for advanced students in preparation such event. Other performance opportunities are available upon requests. 

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Ensemble Opportunities

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Ensemble playing not only gives an amusement, but also improves student’s rhythm and listening skills. Every student in Hamilton Mill Piano Studio will have opportunities to play ensembles with others.

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For the beginning to intermediate level, each lesson includes an ensemble playing of a teacher and a student. For the intermediate to advanced level, the director arranges piano duo groups depending on students’ level, interests and needs. Duo lessons are scheduled separately from the individual lessons. Selected groups will perform at the studio recital. Advanced level students have an opportunity to play in an instrumental ensemble group. 

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