When it comes to navigating the world of live jazz piano, few voices carry the authenticity, resilience, and poetic insight of Korean pianist Siwon Lee. Having secured her place as an emerging artist in New York City—one of the world’s premier jazz capitals—Siwon Lee has performed in legendary venues such as Birdland and Dizzy’s Club, as well as more intimate art spaces like the Neuberger Museum. As she launches her debut album, Toward Myself, Lee’s philosophy is shaped by experience: “From hindsight, every struggle I had was rather a blessing. I strongly believe everything happens for a reason, and it makes me grow little by little.” For pianists preparing to step into the world of live performance, she offers four vital pieces of practical (and soulful) advice.
- See Every Struggle as a Stepping Stone
Every pianist, regardless of level, faces moments of self-doubt, technical challenges, last-minute nerves, or even the dreaded on-stage mishap. Siwon Lee’s journey—marked by major milestones like winning the Kyung-Hee University Jazz Competition and completing advanced studies at SUNY Purchase College—has never been free of adversity. In fact, her most valuable lessons came not from flawless performances, but from her ability to reframe setbacks.
“It’s easy to fear mistakes, but I’ve come to see every struggle and challenge as a blessing,” says Lee. “Whether you’re dealing with stage fright, a difficult piece, or a memory slip, remember: these moments are opportunities for growth.” She recounts instances where self-doubt before a show or even unexpected technical problems on stage became learning experiences that made her more resilient and empathetic, both as an artist and a person.
Advice in Practice: Prepare as best you can, but don’t expect perfection. If something goes awry during a performance, trust in your preparation—and remind yourself that even the missteps are shaping you. Sometimes, the most memorable moments in a set come from embracing, rather than hiding, the imperfections. Siwon Lee urges young pianists to “face those moments head-on, breathe, and let the music move forward.”
- Authenticity Outshines Perfection
For many young musicians, the pressure to “play perfectly” or to impress an audience can be overwhelming. Siwon Lee’s performances in renowned venues such as Birdland, Dizzy’s Club, or in more experimental settings like Fiction Bar or Shrine, taught her that authenticity resonates far deeper than technical display. Jazz, perhaps more than any other genre, rewards vulnerability and honesty.
“When I first started, I thought I had to play the ‘coolest’ lines—to sound impressive,” Lee reflects. “But I learned from experience and from my mentors that the point of jazz isn’t to be slick, it’s to tell your story.” She often recalls her pre-show nerves and the temptation to push beyond her current abilities for the sake of showmanship, sometimes forcing ideas that hadn’t yet become natural. “Those moments never feel right—audiences can sense when you’re not being yourself.”
Advice in Practice: Before a show, Siwon Lee grounds herself in her own musical identity. She recommends creating a pre-performance ritual—whether it’s a few moments of quiet reflection, breathing deeply, or improvising softly at the piano—to remind herself of her journey and what she wants to say that night. “Forget about impressing anyone. Bring your own story and trust it—audiences crave honesty over perfection. If you’re true to yourself, your unique sound will follow.”
- Preparation Is Freedom, Not Restriction
Behind every inspiring performance lies hours of disciplined preparation. But for Siwon Lee, preparation is not about rigidly adhering to a script; rather, it’s the key that unlocks expressive freedom on stage. Having played in settings ranging from large jazz orchestras at Purchase College to intimate trios at KGB Bar, she has learned the strategic value of preparation from multiple perspectives.
“Technical mastery gives me flexibility to respond moment by moment,” she says. Whether it’s memorizing changes, internalizing melodies, or even visualizing the set in different environments, Siwon Lee approaches preparation not as a chore, but as an act of self-care. Her approach is holistic: practical, mental, and emotional.
Advice in Practice: Study your repertoire deeply. Practice transitions, anticipate possible on-stage variables (such as tempo changes, or different acoustics), and—if possible—rehearse under “performance-like” conditions. But on the day of the show, let go of rigid expectations. “Preparation is what frees you up to be spontaneous,” Lee explains. “If you know your material inside-out, you can respond to the room, your bandmates, and even to your own emotions in real time. It lets you truly listen and converse with the music, rather than just recite it.”
- Play with, Not Just for, Others
Perhaps the greatest epiphany Lee has gained from sharing bandstands with ensembles like Color Theory, the Yardbird Big Band, or her own trio, is the necessity of listening and communication in live music. “Jazz is collective storytelling,” she says. “Even as a pianist, you’re never meant to just show off—you’re meant to connect.”
This principle extends not only to musical conversation with bandmates, but also to real-time interaction with the audience. “Some of my best performances at places like the Neuberger Museum came when I felt dialogue—not just musically, but energetically—with everyone in the room. There’s a give-and-take that can lift the whole set to another level.”
Advice in Practice: Relinquish the idea of being the “star” of the group. Instead, focus on deep listening: to the drummer’s dynamics, the bassist’s pulse, the soloist’s phrasing, and even the subtle shifts in audience attention. Sometimes, Lee adapts her playing entirely to fit the feel of her bandmates or the unique spirit of a venue—or equally, invites the band to follow a new direction spontaneously. “You’ll discover magic when you let the group, not just yourself, guide the performance.”
It is fitting that Siwon Lee’s debut album is titled Toward Myself. From her perspective, the journey of performance is ongoing—an evolution filled with both triumphs and setbacks. “Every challenge nudges me a little closer to understanding who I am and how I want to communicate through music,” she shares.
To every pianist stepping on stage, whether at a renowned club or a neighborhood café, Lee’s advice is clear: Embrace your struggles—they are shaping you. Cherish authenticity—it’s your true currency. Prepare rigorously, but let preparation liberate you. And above all, remember: live music is about connection, not display.
In following this wisdom, pianists not only enhance their performances, but also embark on their own journey—one that, like Lee’s, moves ever “toward myself.”
Siwon Lee is a distinguished Korean jazz pianist who has carved a unique niche for herself within New York’s competitive jazz landscape. Renowned for her expressive touch, impressive technical skill, and the introspective narratives she weaves through her music, Siwon’s artistry is rooted in both her Korean heritage and the creative energy of New York City.
Her musical journey began in South Korea, where she captured first prize at the 2014 Kyung-Hee University Jazz Competition—a significant milestone that set the stage for her pursuit of jazz at an international level. Moving to New York, she immersed herself in rigorous study and performance at SUNY Purchase College, earning both acclaim and accolades, including the 2024 SUNY Purchase Outstanding Graduate Award, which recognized her exceptional leadership and musicianship.
Siwon’s performance resume is as impressive as it is varied. She has appeared on the stages of iconic jazz venues such as Birdland and Dizzy’s Club, and engaged audiences in cultural settings like the Neuberger Museum of Art. Her versatility enables her to thrive in diverse ensembles, from leading her own trio and quartet to contributing meaningfully as a collaborator with groups like the TT Quartet, Color Theory, and various Purchase College orchestras.
In the recording studio, Siwon Lee continues to broaden her artistic reach. Her highly anticipated debut album, “Toward Myself,” scheduled for release in 2025, is poised to deliver an intimate reflection on vulnerability, perseverance, and self-exploration. That same year, she will also release “Roots” in collaboration with the innovative ensemble Color Theory, marking another step in her dynamic journey within the jazz community. Siwon’s recent participation in the AG Records project “Purchase, Some Jazz?” further highlights her commitment to creative collaboration and genre-spanning exploration.
Characterized by sensitivity, humility, and a deep passion for the art form, Siwon Lee remains firmly dedicated to upholding jazz tradition while boldly embracing new avenues of artistic expression. Through attentive listening, a collaborative ethos, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity, she has emerged as both a respected peer and an inspiring force for audiences and musicians alike—one whose influence will surely continue to grow within the evolving world of contemporary jazz.
