Paderewski International Piano Competition

Somin Choi, born in Seoul, is a distinguished performing artist and piano educator. She holds a Master of Music degree and a Professional Studies Certificate from the Manhattan School of Music, where she studied with Dr. Solomon Mikowsky and Prof. William Wolfram.

She currently teaches at Musart Music in Syosset, Long Island, and is a member of AMTL and a jury member for the Crescendo International Competition. A passionate and dedicated educator, she has been recognized with an Honored Teacher Certificate for her students’ achievements in Carnegie Hall–authorized competitions. Under her guidance, students have won top prizes in national and international competitions, performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Kaufman Music Center, and been accepted to programs such as the Brevard Music Festival, Summit Music Festival, and the precollege divisions of Manhattan School of Music and Mannes.

Ms. Choi also served as an instrumental accompanist for the Precollege Division of the Manhattan School of Music, collaborating with studios that included members of the New York Philharmonic and the Met Orchestra. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall, Kaufman Music Center, the DiMenna Center, Scandinavia House, the Mozarteum in Salzburg, and concert halls in Seoul.

She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stony Brook University with Prof. Gilbert Kalish, supported by a full scholarship and a Graduate Teaching Assistant fellowship.