Jihwan Yoon writes music that explores human thought, emotion, and perception, as well as their transformation through time. He writes music by questioning musical, philosophical, or even social phenomena and adds his imaginative interpretations using sound as the medium to suggest new perspectives. He transforms these abstract concepts into sound, and his music becomes a way to communicate with his audiences and the community.

He is a South Korean pianist and composer recognized for his artistry in both disciplines. A graduate of the Mannes School of Music, with the Martinu Composition Prize, the Felix Salzer Techniques of Music Award, and the Steinway Award, he pursued a dual degree in composition and piano performance, supported by the President’s Scholarship. Jihwan is a multiple award winner, including the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composers Award, the Grand Prize at the Pacific Rim International Music Festival, a Special Prize from the International Antonín Dvořák Composition Competition, and a Merit Award from the Tribeca New Music Competition.

His works have been performed on international stages, including the Valencia International Performing Arts Summer Festival, Beijing International Music Festival and Academy, São Paulo Contemporary Composers Festival, and at esteemed venues such as the German Consulate of New York, the House of the Redeemer, and the Czech Center New York.

Jihwan’s craft has been shaped under the guidance of prominent mentors, including composer Lowell Liebermann and pianists Pavlina Dokovska and Vladimir Valjarević, and currently he is serving as a faculty member at Hofstra University in the music theory department.