ABOUT
SONARE
MUSIC ACADEMY
Our Vision is to nurture musical excellence, creative expression, and lifelong learning in students and teachers alike, through top-quality instruction, thoughtful mentorship, and a vibrant community of musicians, educators, supporters, and audiences.
Where music becomes more than sound — it becomes growth, expression, and connection.
Founded by award-winning pianist and educator Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim, Sonare Music Academy is a place where artistry meets accessibility.
We offer high-quality classical music instruction, transformative performance opportunities, and mentorship for both students and teachers — all grounded in the belief that music education should be available to everyone.
Whether you’re a child taking your first lesson, an adult rediscovering your love for music, or a teacher looking to deepen your craft, Sonare welcomes you. Our programs include private and group lessons, music theory and composition classes, monthly free masterclasses, recitals, teacher coaching, and more — all offered both in-person in Asheville, NC and online around the world.
At the heart of everything we do is our community-driven mission:
To inspire lifelong creativity and confidence in every student
To uphold artistic excellence without elitism
To expand access through scholarships and donor-supported programs
To bring people together through shared musical experiences
At Sonare, we don’t just teach music — we build a space where students feel seen, teachers feel supported, and artistry can thrive.
OUR MISSION
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OUR MISSION •
Sonare Music Academy is dedicated to inspiring musicians of all ages and levels through high-quality education and teacher coaching.
We nurture creativity, foster artistic excellence, and build a thriving music community through personalized instruction, group classes, performance opportunities, and innovative pedagogy.
We also support educators through teacher training, mentorship, and pedagogy workshops, while expanding donor-supported programs that make music education accessible to students with financial need.
Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim
Founder & Artistic Director, Sonare Music Academy
Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim is a concert pianist, master teacher, and passionate advocate for accessible, high-quality music education. With over 35 years of experience as a performer and educator, she brings a rare combination of artistry, wisdom, and warmth to every student she teaches.
A two-time recipient of the Steinway Top Teacher Award, Dr. Kim has guided students from their first piano lessons to prestigious conservatories, competitions, and fulfilling lifelong relationships with music. Her teaching is known for its depth, clarity, and joyful precision — blending the highest standards of classical training with a nurturing, student-centered approach.
Dr. Kim holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Piano Performance and Pedagogy and has served on university faculties across the United States. She is also an author, publishing music education resources that support students and teachers in their creative and technical development.
In founding Sonare Music Academy, Dr. Kim envisioned a place where every learner — regardless of age, background, or financial circumstance — can grow into the musician they’re meant to be. Through scholarships, free monthly masterclasses, and inclusive programming, she continues to lead Sonare as a hub of artistic excellence and compassionate education.
Educator Development Statement
At Sonare Music Academy, we believe great teachers inspire great musicians. Our pedagogy program supports current and aspiring educators through interactive workshops, one-on-one coaching, and curriculum design guidance. We cultivate confident, reflective, and resourceful teachers who carry forward a legacy of excellence in music education.
Our Story
Sonare Music Academy was born from a simple but powerful belief:
Everyone deserves access to beautiful, high-quality music education — not just those with the means to afford it.
After decades of teaching at universities and performing internationally, Dr. Hwa-Jin Kim saw firsthand how many students — especially those from underserved communities — were missing out on the joy, growth, and confidence that music can bring. She founded Sonare to change that.
At Sonare, we serve a diverse community of children, adults, and music educators who are seeking more than just lessons — they’re looking for mentorship, creativity, and connection. Many of our students couldn’t access this kind of education without support, which is why scholarships are built into the heart of our mission.
To reach as many learners as possible, we offer programs both in Asheville, NC and online, making it easier for anyone — anywhere — to grow through music. Our free monthly masterclasses, community concerts, and inclusive events invite everyone to take part, no matter their background or experience.