Biography
Dr. Jed Kim grew up in a devoted Christian family. His participation in the youth
choir and praise worship team nurtured his deep affection for worshipping God through
singing, marking the beginning of his musical journey. Dr. Kim holds a D.M.A. in Vocal
Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, an M.M. in
Vocal Performance from New Jersey City University, and a B.M. in Vocal Performance
from Hanyang University in South Korea. As an opera and concert singer, Dr. Kim has
performed in notable venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the National Opera
Center, and the DiMenna Center in the United States, as well as in South Korea, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Peru. He has collaborated with New Rochelle Opera, Hudson
Opera Theatre, New York Lyric Opera, Amore Opera, Wyckoff Opera, and others. His operatic
roles include Alfredo in La traviata, Don José in Carmen, Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni,
Rodolfo in La bohème, and Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, etc.. As a worshiper and tenor
soloist, Dr. Kim has been featured in works such as Bach's Mass B Minor, Beethoven’s
Symphony No. 9, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, and Saint-Saëns’s Christmas
Oratorio, etc. He has also participated in musical theatre showcases, crossover concerts,
and community outreach events. Dr. Kim has won several awards, including the 2021-2022
USO Concerto Competition, the Dominick Argento Fellowship, and the New York Lyric
Opera National Competition. He is a member of the National Association of Teachers
of Singing (NATS), the Arkadelphia Philharmonic Club, MUZIK Soloist Ensemble, and
Music from Above. Dr. Kim is blessed and grateful to serve at OBU with his wife and
soulmate, Suzie, Senior Financial Analyst/Accountant at Business Services.
Q&A
Why did you come to Ouachita?
During my D.M.A., as I began my job search, my wife and I prayed for God's guidance
to find a position at a Christian university. In His grace, our prayers were answered,
leading me to Ouachita.
Why did you decide to become a professor?
Years ago, I endured a severe vocal injury that affected my laryngeal nerve system,
forcing me to step away from professional performances for a couple of years—a truly
harrowing period. However, this challenging experience marked a significant turning
point. I believe God’s plan steered me toward pursuing my D.M.A., studying, and teaching,
ultimately culminating in the honor of serving as a voice faculty member at OBU.
Why is your subject an important one in our world?
Vocal performance is crucial in our world as it fosters musical and cultural heritage
preservation and evolution. By training the next generation of singers in various
styles, we sustain the rich traditions of vocal music and inspire emotional expression,
artistic excellence, and cultural understanding through the universal language of
music. Furthermore, we cultivate a deeper connection to our cultural and spiritual
heritage, enriching both our community and the broader world."
What do you want future students to know about your degree program?
Our degree program is committed to creating safe musical environments for students,
facilitating them to discover their unique vocal quality and hone their technique.
But we don’t stop there—we also encourage students to step beyond their comfort zones,
aiming for their full potential both vocally and musically.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my wife and discussing the daily Word that God gives us.
I also enjoy watching the EPL (English Premier League), K-League (South Korea soccer),
and masterclasses on YouTube.
What has been a meaningful Bible verse or passage for you?
While striving to regain my voice after a severe vocal injury, I faced numerous doubts
and fears. Even now, I continue to grapple with persistent technical issues between
registration transitions. However, anchored in Philippians 4:13, which declares, 'I
can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,' I find resilience in Him.
Publications
Opera/Musical Performances:
- Chairman from Mary Poppins Musical – OBU Spring Musical (2023)
- Peter Quint from The Turn of the Screw – U of M Opera Theatre (2021)
- Chevalier from Dialogues des Carmélites – U of M Opera Theatre (2020)
- Alfredo from La traviata – New Rochelle Opera (2019)
- Don Jose from Carmen – Hudson Opera Theatre (2019)
- Tamino from The Magic Flute – Wyckoff Opera (2017)
- Duca d’Alziras from La zingara (U.S. Premiere) – Amore Opera (2017)
- Don Ottavio from Don Giovanni – New York Lyric Opera (2017)
- Ebang from The Noble and Wise Man – Chosun Opera Inc. (2016)
- Mr. Angel from The Impresario – New York Lyric Opera (2014)
- Duke from Rigoletto – NJCU Opera Theatre (2012)
- Rodolfo from La bohème – NJCU Opera Theatre (2011)
- Dorvil from La scala di seta – MSU Opera Theatre (2010)
Oratorio Solo Performances:
- Haydn The Creation – Bethel Presbyterian Church (2024)
- Mendelson Elijah – Hudson Opera Theatre (2023)
- Handel Messiah - Westchester Choral Society (2018)
- Gounod St. Cecilia Solemn Mass - New York Pure Presbyterian Church (2017)
- Mozart Missa Brevis in G K. 140 - Westchester Choral Society (2017)
- Mozart Coronation Mass K. 317 - Garden State Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra (2017)
- Bach Mass B minor – Westchester Choral Society (2016)
Dissertation:
- A Study of the Vocal Training Approach through Understanding the Principle of Phonation:
The Structures and Functions of the Larynx, 2022
