Expertise • Enthusiasm • Excellence
Yerim "Jamie" Hwang
Violin, Suzuki Violin
Yerim grew up in South Korea as a “Suzuki kid”, moving to the US at age 16 to complete her studies. She did her B Mus at Chicago Performing Arts College of Roosevelt University (where she was elected to the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society), and her M Mus at Baylor University, where she also held a graduate assistantship as Violin Soloist for the Collaborative Piano (accompaniment) program.
Yerim maintained a private teaching studio in Chicago; while still at Baylor she began teaching violin to 11-13 year olds in the Midway Independent School District, and maintained a private studio for adults over 50. On obtaining her Master’s degree she joined the Suzuki Academy of Waco as chamber and group class coach.
She is a frequent solo performer and in Texas also played with the Temple Symphony Orchestra. She recently moved to Boston with her husband, who is a post-doc at MIT.
Meet Yerim
- How/what age did you start your instrument?
My sister and I were always intrigued by the piano; we treated it like a toy when we were three and four. Our parents noticed how much we enjoyed it and signed us up for piano lessons. We even went to the Suzuki Violin Academy in Gwangju, South Korea, which was a fantastic experience that helped me enhance my musical skills. - Did you come from a musical family?
Although my families are not professional musicians, they have an immense passion for music and talent. My father, in particular, loves music and is highly skilled in playing the guitar, electric guitar, and electric bass. He taught himself how to play these instruments and even took up saxophone, cello, and voice lessons later in life. Similarly, my sister is a gifted musician who plays the piano, violin, and guitar, while my brother is outstanding at playing the drums, trumpet, and bass guitar. Additionally, he creates music samples using computer software. - Best, funniest or worst musical memory from childhood?
In elementary school, I participated in a piano competition in South Korea. Despite not being nervous, I got distracted and couldn't remember if I had played the repeat. Instead of crying or freezing, I decided to play the Beethoven Sonata exposition one more time. I played it twice, but I still received a trophy. - A highlight or two from your performing career:
While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I had the privilege of being a member of the Chicago College of Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra. I also contributed to Stacy Garrop's Mythology Symphony recording. Additionally, I had the pleasure of performing Tchaikovsky Symphony No.4, which Miguel Harth-Bedoya led. It was a particularly memorable performance during my graduate studies. - What do you love about teaching?
I love watching my students develop into better musicians and kind-hearted individuals. - What would you like your students to know about you?
I am here to support your musical journey and help you achieve your ambitions! - Can you share a non-musical fun fact about you?
When I was 16, I migrated to the United States. I have lived in New Orleans, LA, Chicago, IL, Waco, TX, and currently in Cambridge, MA!