BIOGRAPHY

Seonju Jo is a Korean pianist, educator, and collaborator based in Austin, Texas. Her performances have been praised for their expressive depth and refined sensitivity, shaped by a multicultural musical journey that bridges East and West.

Seonju is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at the University of Texas at Austin, studying with Gregory Allen. She previously earned her Master of Music from UT Austin and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree from Pusan National University in South Korea.

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As a soloist, Seonju has won top prizes in international competitions including the American Protégé International Piano Competition, the Medici International Piano Competition, and the Charleston International European Music Competition. She has performed at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, the International Keyboard Odyssiad Festival, and concert halls throughout the U.S., South Korea, and Cambodia.

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A devoted chamber musician and collaborative artist, she has performed with the UT New Music Ensemble, appeared in recitals with leading instrumentalists, and been featured in the Austin Flute Festival. Her chamber group, the Lieblich Piano Trio, was supported by the Busan Metropolitan Government and presented storytelling-themed concerts that brought classical music into local communities.

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Alongside performing, Seonju is passionate about teaching and sharing music. She teaches group and private piano at UT Austin, where she serves as a Teaching Assistant and Vice President of the MTNA Collegiate Chapter. She also teaches students of all ages at Clavier-Werke School of Music. She has led masterclasses, judged festivals, and presented her research on pedal techniques and interpretive artistry at major conferences including MTNA, TMTA, and NCKP.

Through her work onstage, in the classroom, and in the community, Seonju is committed to making music a meaningful and transformative experience for everyone.