Yuri Kim-Moon
-Doctor of Musical Arts
in Piano Performance
Dr. Moon has extensive experience as a solo performer, collaborative pianist, coach, and accompanist. Her Flexibility as a performer and collaborate has caused her to be recognized internationally, appearing in concerts in numerous countries including the Czech Republic, Brazil, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and United States.
In addition, Dr. Moon has collaborated with many vocalists and professional singers her capacity as a coach and accompanist for several opera productions in Korean and as accompanist for music festivals, competitions and recitals both in Korea and United States.In addition to collaborative work experiences, Dr. Moon remains as active performer at recitals and competitions. She performed in the winner’s recital for the Concert Artists International Virtuoso Competition III at Carnegie Hall in 2018. In 2017, she won the International Music Competition “Rome” Grand Prize Virtuoso. In 2015, she was the first prizewinner of University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition and the first prizewinner in American Protégé International Concerto Competition, culminating in her 2015 Carnegie Hall debut. In 2011, she also won the Music Teacher National Association Young Artist piano competition in Kentucky and advanced to the Southern division level.
Dr. Moon was a member of faculties at Berea College until she moved to Delaware in 2022 and an instructor for Class Piano/Applied Lesson at University of Kentucky. She holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Piano Performance under tutelage of Irina Voro at the University of Kentucky. She holds a Master of Music in Piano Performance form the University of Kentucky and a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy from Campbellsville University under the tutelage of Dr. Wesley Roberts where she graduated with the Outstanding Graduate Student Award and was a member of the American honor society, Pi Kappa Lambda. She holds a certificate in Piano Pedagogy under Yuri Slesarev from Tchaikovsky Conservatory in Russia.
Gerard Moon
-Baritone, Professional Opera Singer
Gerard Moon, baritone, has been praised by Operawire as “From the moment he walked on stage it was evident that this was a singer with authority and command and incredible stage presence” and Lexington Herald-Leader as “A strong voice, impeccable diction, and a huge sense of fun.”
A native of South Korea, Mr. Moon is recognized for his rich and lyrical baritone voice. Mr. Moon has studied and performed across the United States, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, and Asian countries. He was pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts after he earned a Master of Music in voice performance from University of Kentucky under the tutelage of Cynthia Lawrence. During his academic years, his talent was distinguished with scholarships such as Alltech Vocal Scholarship, National Society of Arts and Letters Award Scholarship, Outstanding Graduate Music Student Award, and Tom Getchell Scholarship.
Mr. Moon’s unique and flexible voice allows him to tackle many of opera’s most challenging baritone roles. He has performed the role of Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia, Germont in La Traviata, Ford in Falstaff, Don Giovanni and Leporello in Don Giovanni, Il Conte in Le Nozze di Figaro, Rigoletto in Rigoletto, Dr. Miracle/Coppélius in The Tales of Hoffmann, Schaunard in La Bohème, Belcore in L’Elisir d’amore, French General in Silent Night, Yamadori in Madama Butterfly, Osiride in Mose, and Dr. Falke in Die Fledermaus.
YongTaek Oh
-Guitar & Drum Instructor
Yong is a talented multi-instrumentalist, proficient in piano, guitar, bass, and drums. In fact, with four clones, he could start his own band! His musical journey began at age 9 with the piano. In his early teenage years, he expanded his interests to the electric guitar and other instruments, immersing himself in music for over 5-6 hours daily. Mostly self-taught, Yong understands the importance of making the learning process enjoyable to cultivate music as a serious, lifelong hobby. With nearly 20 years of experience in band music, he has a deep appreciation for all music genres and the unique joy each brings.
Did he pursue a music degree in college? No, he chose to study Neuroscience for his undergraduate degree, delving into the inner workings of the brain. This path led him to discover a fascinating intersection between his interests in cognition and music. Consequently, he obtained a PhD focusing on the Neuroscience of Creativity. His research, spanning numerous scientific journals, explores creativity in musical improvisation and the brain dynamics of creative problem-solving.
Although he currently works in academic research, Yong has always been passionate about sharing his love for music and the joy of playing an instrument. He has been giving guitar lessons since his teenage years, many of his peers developing it into a lifelong hobby. With years of teaching experience, he understands the challenges faced by new learners and knows how to navigate them. Ultimately, Yong believes that learning and playing an instrument should be fun!
