About

Beyond being a violinist, Geunyoung Kim is passionate about teaching in a variety of settings, from private lessons to orchestral coaching. As an MSU String Fellow in 2022-2023, she had the opportunity to connect with and learn from educators in both public schools and colleges. By observing and coaching students at schools across Michigan—including Okemos High School, Chippewa Middle School, St. Johns High School, Waverly High School, and the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony Orchestra—Kim was able to refine her teaching strategies and pedagogy. Weekly meetings, discussions, and feedback from her fellow String Fellows played a key role in her development as an educator. While serving as a substitute teacher at Expressions Music Academy in Novi, MI, Geunyoung Kim also judged the Academy’s North American Music Competition (2022). Her priority as a judge was to encourage students, praise their hard work, and celebrate their progress, helping them truly enjoy performing.

Prior to attending Michigan State University, Kim ran a private studio in South Korea, teaching many students and holding annual recitals. Her students competed in and won several competitions, and many also auditioned for local community and school orchestras. Kim was also invited to speak at Indoeck High School in South Korea, where she gave a lecture on Western classical music—its history, composers, and the music itself. The talk was interactive, giving the audience a chance to connect with the material in a hands-on way.

Kim is currently a Tutor-On-Call at the MSU Community Music School- Detroit Center and also teaches violin and general music at St. Paul Catholic School and Spring Vale Christian School in Owosso. Her goal in every lesson is to make music enjoyable while helping students develop their performance skills at their own pace. At the end of each semester, she organizes music concerts to celebrate students' progress and boost their confidence. At Spring Vale, Geunyoung also teaches High School Music Appreciation, a course covering music history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Designed for pre-college students, the course goes beyond textbooks. As a violinist, Geunyoung not only teaches theory but also demonstrates musical pieces on the violin, keeping students engaged and involved in the learning process.

Geunyoung Kim enrolled in the Suzuki pedagogical training course Every Child Can! (ECC!) in 2024 to further develop her pedagogical skills and gain a deeper understanding of her students. She recognizes the importance of different cultural perspectives on music and embraces each student's individual level, guiding them to grow. No matter where students begin, she meets them where they are and helps them improve. Above all, she is passionate about sharing the joy she finds in both performing and practicing with her students.