Jiyeon Hwang 황지연: Voice Instructor

Dr. Jiyeon Hwang is a Korean lyric coloratura actor-singer soprano known for her distinctive vocal range and beautiful tone. She is experienced in teaching classical and musical theater styles of singing based on operatic technique. Currently, she is located in Minneapolis where she teaches online via zoom and facetime as well as in-person lessons. As of 2023, she is an adjunct professor at Texas A&M International University.

Jiyeon received her Master of Music Degree in Voice Performance from Manhattan School of Music in 2015, having studied with Catherine Malfitano. She received her Doctoral Degree in Voice Performance from the University of Minnesota under Jean Del Santo.

Among her many accomplishments, Jiyeon officially had a debut at Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall) for a winner concert in February 2022. Jiyeon was awarded 3rd place in the Contemporary Category at the San Francisco International Innovative Competition in October of 2021. Also in 2021, she received 2nd place at the National Association of Teacher of Singing’s NATS Artist Awards in the Mid-Central Region and was a finalist of The Century Opera Competition. In 2018, she won the 1st prize in the Kenwood symphony orchestra competition and 2nd prize in the NATS competition. Her performances, based in Minnesota, include Park Concerts at Lake Harriet, Como Park, and Brits Pub with Kenwood Symphony Orchestra in the summer season.

Jiyeon has performed numerous operatic roles, recitals, and concerts throughout the U.S., Italy, the Czech Republic, and South Korea. Operatic roles she has performed include Adina (L’elisir d’amore), Adele (Die Fledermaus), Zerlina (Don Giovanni), Susanna (Le nozze di Figaro), Lisette (La Rondine), Berta (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Anna Gomez (The Consul), Miss Titmouse (Too Many Sopranos), Papagena (The Magic Flute), Carollina (Il Matrimonio Segreto), and Lakmé (Lakmé). Her musical theater work includes Werther, Monte Christo, Phantom, Anna Karenina, and Rebecca.

Some of Jiyeon’s students have included musical theater singers, actors, K-drama TV stars, and classical singers. She provided voice coaching for the actor of the opera singer role in the renowned Academy Award-winning film “Parasite” directed by Bong Joon-ho. The actor successfully finished American film shooting as the role of an opera singer under Jiyeon’s coaching in Vancouver.

Since 2010, Jiyeon has successfully advised and prepared students for acceptance into high-ranking music schools. Some of her classical students were accepted to the master’s degree programs in Vocal Performance at the Manhattan School of Music, the University of Indiana (Jacobs School of Music), and the New England Conservatory (with scholarship).

Jiyeon has adapted well to the fast-changing performance landscape under the Pandemic. In 2020, she participated in a new genre of virtual opera called Webpera (Web + opera) performing in “L’elisir D’amore” with Camerata New Jersey. She was also cast as Berta from the opera, “The Barber of Seville” with the Cleveland Opera theatre.

Jiyeon’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that each student has a unique voice. Understanding the student’s voice type is key. She believes that one of her most important tasks as a teacher is finding her students’ appropriate range and voice. Jiyeon takes an encouraging approach, guiding students to discover and strengthen their vocal style rather than pushing them to conform to a typical voice. She endeavors to develop a strong emotional connection with her students.

Jiyeon helps students improve their vocal technique and expand their repertoires. To accomplish this, she feels that it is important to understand the human body as an instrument and how our specific anatomy produces sound in the right ways. Knowing how this works can help students improve their voices and help them learn to sing effectively. Jiyeon’s goal is to teach students to be attuned to their bodies and keep their voice healthy. To maintain a healthy body and vocal cords students should practice daily under a vocal pedagogical method to discover their style and reach their potential as vocalists. Beyond building physical voice skills, Jiyeon helps students to be confident, grow their understanding of music, and enjoy the process of learning.

Developing students’ musicality is also an important part of Jiyeon’s teaching process. Song is based on lyrical poetry and storytelling, delivering emotion through the vehicle of text. To be successful, Jiyeon believes that students must first learn the song text by reading the lyrics correctly and studying its meaning.

Jiyeon prioritizes finding the right repertoire for each student – one that matches the student’s vocal ability and style. She guides students to choose songs that are within their ability level, steering away from songs that overly complicated (ones with too many leaps or rhythms that are too hard or require too many musical expressions).

Single Lessons:
30 min. – $50
60 min. – $75

Packages of 4 Lessons:
30 min. – $45 ea. (Total of $180)
60 min. – $70 ea. (Total of $280)

Packages of 8 Lessons:
30 min. – $42.50 ea. (Total of $340)
60 min. – $67.50 ea. (Total of $540)

Payment:
Jiyeon accepts checks, dash, and Venmo.

Lessons must be paid for in advance or at the time of the lesson.

Cancellations:
Cancellations must be made within 24 hours’ notice to be rescheduled without charge. Students will be charged for missed lessons or for lessons canceled with less than 24-hours’ notice (except in emergency situations). Students can opt to be billed for missed lessons or can pay at the next lesson.

If for some reason Jiyeon needs to cancel a lesson, she will notify students immediately and reschedule the lesson within 2 weeks.

Come Prepared:
Jiyeon always comes well-prepared to give high-quality lessons and expects her students to show up equally well-prepared.

Monday – Saturday (schedule is very flexible).

Jiyeon teaches primarily via zoom/facetime but also in person.