Sujae J.,
Sujae Jung is a young Korean pianist who completed her jazz studies at Kukje University of Arts in Seoul South Korea. After she graduated from Kukje University of Arts, she collaborated with an indie/pop band “WINDA” and released an album “Winda Land”. In her musical career, she challenged different musical styles from classical to indie rock and jazz, as she participated in several classical piano competitions and a youth orchestra in Busan South Korea.
From 2019 to 2023 she studied in the Netherlands as a Jazz piano student at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. In addition to her studies, her main focus was on her personal trio project, the “SWL trio”, a contemporary jazz trio, to which she contributed a large part of her original compositions and arrangements. She has recently played with German guitarist Axel Fischbacher. Moreover, she was a side woman of a project by Niccolo Angioni Quartet “NA5”, a jazz and electronic music quintet, and released a single “Dancing with the Illusions” in August 2022. Furthermore, she was active in a working band project called “The Jinjies”, a project that focuses on traditional jazz repertoire, American Songbook Classics, and renowned Latin pieces.
Since 2022 she has discovered her new interest in building a unique bridge between Korean traditional music and contemporary jazz with her compositions in which she describes her childhood memory and nature in Korea.
In 2023, she moved to New York, United States, and is currently studying the Master of Music program “Performer Composer” at The New School, College of Performing Arts. Shortly after she arrived in New York, she formed the Contemporary Jazz trio “Jung Stratmann Project” with her long-time collaborator and life partner Wolf Robert Stratmann.
In 2024, she released her first Duo E.P. “Bird of Luck” with Wolf Robert Stratmann, and her first Trio E.P. “Live at 29th Street” on a New York City-based music label 29th Street Editions.
Among others, she studied with Hee An Ko, Seok Chul Yoon, Jusin Min, Juraj Stanik, Rob van Bavel, Wolfert Brederode, Armen Donelian, Emilio Solla, and Doyeon Kim.
Teaching Philosophy:
Inspiring Motivation, Joy Through Music, and Steady Improvement With two years of experience teaching piano in both music schools and private settings, my philosophy is centered on making music an exciting and joyful experience for every student. I believe that fostering a love for music and maintaining a positive, engaging environment are key to helping students thrive. I strive to ignite a passion for music by introducing students to a variety of genres and pieces that align with their interests, ensuring each lesson is tailored to their tastes.
By celebrating every achievement and maintaining a supportive atmosphere, I aim to make the learning process both enjoyable and motivating. Understanding that motivation varies among students, I adapt my strategies to fit individual needs. Whether through goal-setting, exploring favorite pieces, or incorporating creative activities, my approach is designed to keep students inspired and committed.
A crucial aspect of my teaching is ensuring steady progress and improvement. I provide structured, progressive challenges and set achievable goals to help students build their skills systematically. Regular feedback and reflective practices are integral to tracking their advancement and encouraging continuous growth. Encouraging creativity is also a core component of my teaching. I support students in expressing themselves through improvisation, composition, and personalized interpretations, which enhances their enjoyment and deepens their connection to their music.
Sujae teaches Piano lessons..