Somin Choi
Pianist and educator Somin Choi, born in Seoul and currently based in New York City and Long Island, is an active performing artist and dedicated piano teacher. She earned her Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Dr. Solomon Mikowsky, and later completed her Professional Studies Certificate under Professor William Wolfram. Her artistic development has also been enriched through guidance and mentorship from distinguished musicians including Jerome Rose, Peter Vinograde, Mikhail Voskresensky, Andrea Bonatta, and Peter Ovtcharov.
Ms. Choi serves on the faculty of the Palmetto Piano Festival and is a member of AMTL. She has also served as a jury member for the Paderewski International Piano Competition and the Crescendo International Competition. A passionate and committed educator, she has received an Honored Teacher Certificate in recognition of her students’ achievements in competitions leading to performances at Carnegie Hall. Under her guidance, students have earned top prizes in national and international competitions, including the Chopin International Piano Competition in Hartford, and have performed at distinguished venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Kaufman Music Center, and the DiMenna Center for Classical Music. Her students have also been accepted to prestigious programs including the Brevard Music Center, Interlochen Arts Camp, Summit Music Festival, and the Precollege Divisions of the Manhattan School of Music and Mannes School of Music.
In addition to her teaching, Ms. Choi has served as an instrumental accompanist for the Precollege Division of the Manhattan School of Music, collaborating with students from the studios of musicians affiliated with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.
Ms. Choi is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stony Brook University under the guidance of Professor Gilbert Kalish, where she is supported by a full scholarship and a Graduate Teaching Assistantship. As a teacher and mentor, she combines high musical standards with genuine care for each student, guiding them to grow not only as pianists, but also as confident, independent, and expressive young musicians.