Young Woong Cho
Teaching Philosophy
Surely there are a variety of aspects that nurture a musician’s growth, but the most important element is one’s love and enjoyment of music. Therefore as a teacher, I seek to foster each student’s own journey and highest potential, recognizing that my words and guidance in any lesson may influence students throughout their lifetime.
I also believe that students benefit immensely when they develop the necessary foundation in technique, music theory, and history. I teach these core skills as part of regular lessons.
According to Dr. Joy J. Song, who was my most influential teacher at an early age, practicing is “strengthening good habits.” I believe in this mindset because it empowers my students to not only become good musicians, but also reach their highest potential with great happiness.
Biography
Dr. Young Woong Cho, D.M.A., is an internationally acclaimed pianist and dedicated educator whose career spans over 16 years across Korea, Russia, and the United States. His multifaceted musical journey encompasses solo performance, chamber music, collaborative piano, and a passionate commitment to teaching students of all levels and ages.
As an educator, Dr. Cho’s experience is both extensive and diverse. During his doctoral studies at Boston University, he served as a teaching assistant, honing his pedagogical skills. His teaching repertoire includes music theory instruction for the Korean Institute of Piano Pedagogy and masterclasses at universities in Korea and the United States. In the greater Boston area, Dr. Cho has been a valued piano instructor at various music schools. He also holds a faculty position at Montclair State University in New Jersey, where he works as a collaborative pianist, vocal coach, and piano professor. His teaching expertise spans solo piano, piano ensemble, chamber music, and collaborative piano.
Dr. Cho’s performance career is equally impressive and varied. He is particularly renowned for his chamber music performances and his ability to connect with audiences. His time at Montclair State University included valuable guidance from the world-class Shanghai Quartet. In 2013, he founded The Cali Trio, which has performed extensively along the East Coast at prestigious venues such as the Alexander Kasser Theater, Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall, and the Van Vleck House & Gardens in New Jersey.
Expanding his artistic vision, Dr. Cho launched the chamber music series ‘Young Woong Cho & Friends’ in 2016, serving as founder and artistic director. This series has brought diverse chamber music performances to audiences across Korea. In 2017, he founded the ensemble ‘The Music,’ which explores a wide range of chamber music repertoire for multiple pianos.
Dr. Cho’s entrepreneurial spirit in music continued with the establishment of The SMI (Stage of Musical Inspiration) in early 2020. This international performing organization introduces young, talented musicians from around the world to audiences in the United States, Korea, and beyond. Presently, Dr. Cho maintains an active performing career as a soloist, collaborative pianist, and chamber musician, dividing his time between South Korea and the United States.
Degrees
B.M. and M.M., Gnesin’s Academy of Music, Moscow
A.D., Montclair State University
D.M.A., Boston University