ABOUT
%20Jung%20Picture.jpg)
Jonathan's educational background includes a Master of Music Degree and Bachelor of Music (Honours) Degree with First Class from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. In pursuit of further studies, he was invited to the United States in 2009 to complete a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree, Master of Arts in Theory Pedagogy Degree, and Master of Music Degree at the Eastman School of Music. Throughout his academic journey, Jonathan has had the privilege of learning from mentors such as Barry Snyder, Rae de Lisle, Read Gainsford, Douglas Humpherys, Thomas Schumacher, Steven Laitz, Elizabeth Marvin, Katherine Ciesinski, David Temperley, and Matthew Brown.
With a deep passion for collecting rare historical music recordings from the early twentieth century, Jonathan has merged this interest with his academic pursuits in music theory and analysis. His current research focuses on tempo rubato, specifically examining interpretations by nineteenth- and twentieth-century pianists. Jonathan's pedagogical study, titled "Structural Hearing of Rubato," delves into the nuanced aspects of tempo fluctuation in music performance, highlighting motives, counterpoint, and harmonization. He has presented his theoretical work at notable conferences, including the MTNA and College Music Society.
​
Jonathan's dedication to teaching is evident in his roles as an instructor of Applied Piano, Music Theory, Aural Skills, and Class Piano sequences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Jones County Junior College. Since Fall 2017, he has been a member of the faculty at Lee University, serving as Assistant Professor of Piano while continuing to pursue his teaching, research, and performance career. In addition, Jonathan holds the position of Director at the Lee University International Piano Festival and Competition, where he actively recruits pianists from both national and international backgrounds. Beyond his academic responsibilities, Jonathan contributes his musical aptitudes as an organist in the music ministry at St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Cleveland, Tennessee. Recently, he has been appointed as the President of the Chattanooga Music Teachers Association, furthering his community work and regional and national collaborations.
Jonathan Jung, a pianist of South Korean-New Zealand heritage, delights audiences with his performances across the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, China, South Korea, and Japan. He has been celebrated as a Guest Artist at Texas State International Piano Festival and Brevard Summer Music Festival. Jonathan has had the privilege of collaborating with orchestras, including the Eastman Philharmonic Orchestra, Korean Philharmonic Orchestra of New Zealand, University of Auckland Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Youth Orchestra, and Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra. He was recognized through awards received in prestigious competitions such as the Kerikeri Piano Competition, Eastman Concerto Competition, Kapiti Coast National Piano Competition, and Christchurch National Piano Concerto Competition. Recordings and broadcasts of Jonathan's solo recitals and concerto performances have been featured on Radio New Zealand, World TV, and WSMC-FM.
​
In addition to his piano virtuosity, Jonathan is also an accomplished composer, premiering and performing his own compositions at renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, University of Southern Mississippi, Tulane University, Hatch Recital Hall, and Brevard Music Center. His works have acquired acclaim, with New York Concert Review describing his pieces as having "striking Debussyian qualities" and a "mournful sound that was truly moving" in their review of his Carnegie Hall Recital. Jonathan's passion for composition extends to writing music for various instruments, and he finds fulfillment as a devoted chamber musician.
