• Expanding classical music education beyond geographical boundaries
• Bridging continents and cultures to inspire the next generation of pianists
• Nurturing exceptional talents emerging from Asia and beyond
Embedded Files
Directors' Introduction
Directors' Introduction
Edward Auer – Founder & Artistic Director
Pianist | Educator | Mentor
For over half a century, Edward Auer has been a towering figure in the world of classical music. As the first American laureate of the Chopin International Piano Competition, he captivated audiences with his profound interpretations, establishing himself as one of the most respected Chopin interpreters of our time. His performances have graced the world’s most prestigious concert halls, and his recordings continue to inspire pianists across generations.
Beyond the stage, Auer has dedicated his life to mentorship and education. As a revered professor at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music for over 40 years, he has nurtured countless young artists, many of whom have gone on to become celebrated musicians in their own right. His teaching philosophy goes beyond technique—he instills a deep understanding of musical storytelling, artistic integrity, and the personal connection between musician and audience.
With the Auer Foundation and Auer International Piano Academy, Auer’s vision is to create an environment where young pianists can grow beyond competitions, developing into thoughtful, expressive, and emotionally compelling artists. His lifelong commitment to music is now channeled into shaping the next generation, ensuring that the timeless beauty of classical music continues to flourish.
Junghwa Moon Auer – Co-Founder & Executive Director
Pianist | Educator | Visionary Leader
From the moment she touched the keys as a young pianist in Korea, Junghwa Moon Auer understood that music is more than just sound—it is a language of the soul. Her journey as an artist has taken her from the world’s leading concert stages to classrooms and mentorship roles, where she has helped shape the artistic paths of many aspiring musicians.
Having performed and taught internationally, she brings a global perspective to the Auer Foundation and Auer International Piano Academy. With deep roots in both the Western and Asian musical traditions, she understands the challenges and aspirations of young musicians today. She has been a guiding force in developing a new model of music education, one that emphasizes not just technical brilliance, but also artistic depth, personal expression, and the true joy of making music.
Through her leadership, she envisions the Auer Foundation and Academy as a bridge—connecting generations of musicians, uniting different cultural influences, and fostering a global community of passionate artists. Above all, she hopes to create an inspiring space where young pianists can explore, take risks, and discover the full depth of their musical voices.
Together, Edward Auer and Junghwa Moon Auer have built more than just an academy—they have created a legacy of artistry, mentorship, and inspiration. The Auer Foundation and Auer International Piano Academy reflect their shared vision: to cultivate not just great pianists, but true musicians, who play with heart, purpose, and an unshakable love for their art.
디렉터 소개
디렉터 소개
에드워드 아우어 (Edward Auer) – 설립자 & 예술감독
피아니스트 | 교육자 | 멘토
반세기 이상 클래식 음악계의 거장으로 자리해 온 에드워드 아우어는, 1965년 쇼팽 국제 피아노 콩쿠르에서 미국인 최초로 입상(5위)한 피아니스트로 널리 알려져 있습니다. 그의 깊이 있는 해석과 감동적인 연주는 세계 유수의 무대를 장식했으며, 그의 쇼팽 연주는 오늘날까지도 많은 피아니스트들에게 영감을 주고 있습니다.
하지만 아우어의 음악적 여정은 연주뿐만 아니라 교육과 멘토링에도 깊이 뿌리내리고 있습니다. 그는 40년 이상 인디애나대학교(Indiana University Jacobs School of Music)에서 교수로 재직하며 수많은 젊은 피아니스트들을 길러냈습니다. 그의 교육 철학은 단순한 기교를 넘어, 음악을 이야기하는 법, 음악이 가진 힘, 연주자가 청중과 교감하는 방식을 탐구하는 데 중점을 둡니다.
이제 그는 **아우어 재단(Auer Foundation)과 아우어 국제 피아노 아카데미(Auer International Piano Academy)**를 통해 다음 세대의 피아니스트들에게 무한한 가능성을 열어주고자 합니다. 그의 목표는 단순히 콩쿠르에서 성공하는 연주자를 양성하는 것이 아니라, 깊이 있는 해석과 감성을 지닌, 진정한 음악가를 키우는 것입니다.
문정화 – 공동 설립자 & 총괄 디렉터
피아니스트 | 교육자 | 비전 있는 리더
한국에서 피아니스트로서 첫 발을 내딛은 이후, 문정화는 음악이 단순한 소리가 아니라, 마음을 표현하는 언어라는 것을 일찍이 깨달았습니다. 그녀의 연주 여정은 세계적인 무대뿐만 아니라, 젊은 음악가들의 길을 조명하는 교육자로서의 역할까지 확장되었습니다.
국제적으로 활동하며 교육해 온 그녀는 서양과 아시아 음악 교육의 장점을 조화롭게 결합하여, 현대 음악 교육이 가야 할 새로운 방향을 제시하고 있습니다. 그녀는 단순히 기교를 연마하는 것이 아니라, 음악을 깊이 이해하고, 개인적인 감정을 표현하며, 연주의 진정한 즐거움을 찾는 것이야말로 궁극적인 목표여야 한다고 믿습니다.
아우어 재단과 아우어 국제 피아노 아카데미를 통해 그녀는 음악을 사랑하는 젊은 피아니스트들이 세계적인 멘토들과 교류하며, 자신의 목소리를 찾고, 음악적 탐구를 이어갈 수 있는 장을 만들고자 합니다. 그녀의 리더십 아래, 이 아카데미는 단순한 교육 기관을 넘어, 세대를 초월한 음악가들의 교류의 장, 다양한 문화적 배경을 가진 피아니스트들이 하나로 연결되는 공간이 될 것입니다.
아우어 재단 & 아우어 국제 피아노 아카데미의 비전
아우어 재단 & 아우어 국제 피아노 아카데미의 비전
에드워드 아우어와 문정화는 단순한 교육기관을 세운 것이 아닙니다. 그들은 진정한 예술가를 양성하고, 음악을 통해 세상을 연결하는 공간을 만들었습니다.
**아우어 재단(Auer Foundation)**과 **아우어 국제 피아노 아카데미(Auer International Piano Academy)**는 단순한 콩쿠르 준비를 위한 곳이 아닙니다.
이곳에서 배우는 학생들은 진정한 음악의 힘, 자신의 음악적 정체성, 그리고 연주를 통해 청중과 소통하는 법을 배우게 될 것입니다.
이제, 다음 세대의 피아니스트들이 세계 무대로 나아갈 수 있도록 아우어 재단과 아우어 국제 피아노 아카데미가 그들의 발걸음을 함께합니다.
Faculty
Faculty
Edward Auer
Edward Auer
Director
USA
Junghwa Moon Auer
Junghwa Moon Auer
Director
USA
Katarzyna
Katarzyna
Popowa-Zydron
Popowa-Zydron
Guest Artist
Poland
Jin Sang Lee
Jin Sang Lee
Guest Artist
Korea
Peter Bithell
Peter Bithell
Guest Artist
England
Misha Namirovsky
Misha Namirovsky
Guest Artist
China
Dae-jin Kim
Dae-jin Kim
Special Guest
Korea
Program
Program
Master Classes
Open Lessons
Speciall Lectures on 2025AIPAS Topic
Speical Conversation with AIPAs Guest Artists
Guest Artists Concerts & Participants Concerts
AIPAS Solo Competition
AIPAS Concerto Competition
Place
Place
Korea National University of Arts, School of Music
Korea National University of Arts, School of Music
2374 Nambusunhwan-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul, 06757, Republic of Korea
➡️Click to view: Directors Joongang News Paper Interview (English ver.)
➡️Click to view: Directors Joongang News Paper Interview (English ver.)
"Korea is Now a Powerhouse… If You Want to Learn Chopin, Come to Seoul"
"Korea is Now a Powerhouse… If You Want to Learn Chopin, Come to Seoul"
Next month, American pianist Edward Auer (right) and his wife, pianist Junghwa Moon Auer, will host a piano academy in Seoul.
📷 [Photo: Jin Kim/Rode Art Center]
A Historic Return to Seoul
A Historic Return to Seoul
In 1974, at the National Theater of Korea, the National Symphony Orchestra (predecessor of the KBS Symphony Orchestra), conducted by Hong Yeon-taek, held a performance. That night’s soloist was Edward Auer, an American pianist who had gained recognition by winning 5th place at the 1965 Chopin International Competition. At the age of 32, he was actively performing worldwide and played a Chopin concerto for the Seoul audience.
Now, exactly 50 years later, Auer is returning to Seoul to launch the Auer International Piano Academy. The 10-day event, held at the Korea National University of Arts in Seocho-dong, will include concerts, masterclasses, competitions, and discussions between professors and students. Around 50 young pianists from Korea, Japan, China, the United States, and Poland are expected to participate.
Why Seoul? "Korea is a Powerhouse"
Why Seoul? "Korea is a Powerhouse"
Auer has taught at the prestigious Indiana University Jacobs School of Music for 40 years. In an email interview with JoongAng Ilbo, he shared:
"Every summer, we held our academy in the United States, and I was always impressed by the passionate participation and high-level performances of students from Korea and across Asia. Now, I believe it’s time to bring a program that combines education and performance to Asia—especially to Korea."
His wife, Junghwa Moon Auer, a Korean-American pianist, added:
"This is a meaningful opportunity to engage with the remarkable Korean musicians who have flourished over the past 50 years."
Auer emphasized the global shift in classical music:
"Korea is now a ‘powerhouse’ in the music world. The rise of young Korean musicians is inspiring and energizing."
He recalled a conversation from 10 years ago:
"Professor Jerome Lowenthal of Juilliard once said, ‘In the near future, students will go to Seoul or Shanghai to study Beethoven and Chopin.’ At the time, I thought, ‘That’s unlikely.’ But now, hosting this academy in Seoul has made me fully agree with him. Today, it's no exaggeration to say that Asia—especially Korea—is leading classical music, particularly piano music."
The Strength of Korean Pianists: Hard Work & Dedication
The Strength of Korean Pianists: Hard Work & Dedication
Through years of teaching students from various countries, Auer has come to admire Korean pianists' discipline:
"Above all, Korean students are incredibly hardworking. They believe in ‘practice will save me’ or ‘I still have a long way to go,’ and they push themselves relentlessly."
He believes that this dedication and humility have contributed to the recent success of Korean pianists on the world stage.
However, the Auer Academy aims to go beyond hard work and technique. Junghwa Moon Auer recalled a revealing moment from a public masterclass Auer gave in Korea 20 years ago:
"A student performed an extremely difficult piece flawlessly. But when Edward asked, ‘What was the first chord? What does it mean?’ the student looked completely puzzled, as if they had never thought about it before."
Auer explained:
"Students who focus solely on competitions and exams may hit a wall. This academy will encourage them to think about music as a language and reconnect with their pure passion for it."
Beyond Competitions: The Real Purpose of Music
Beyond Competitions: The Real Purpose of Music
The academy will welcome esteemed guest faculty, including:
🎵 Katarzyna Popowa-Zydroń (Former Chair, Chopin International Competition)
🎵 Susumu Aoyagi (Professor, University of Tokyo)
🎵 Misha Namirovsky (Professor, Beijing Central Conservatory)
🎵 Daejin Kim (President, Korea National University of Arts)
🎵 Jinsang Lee (Professor, Korea National University of Arts)
The academy’s theme is “Chopin’s Life and Music,” given the faculty’s deep connection to the Chopin Competition. However, they make one point clear:
"Winning a competition should never be the ultimate goal. Music is beyond the performer’s personal achievement."
Junghwa Moon Auer elaborated:
"A pianist shouldn’t compete for personal glory. Instead, they should share the power of music—bringing joy and comfort to others."
Auer also reflected on the flawed nature of competitions in the arts:
"Legendary pianist Sviatoslav Richter was known for giving only two types of scores when judging competitions—100 or 0. His only criterion was whether the performer was a true artist. I think this illustrates how music is fundamentally different from sports."
Academy Schedule & Highlights
Academy Schedule & Highlights
📅 Dates: August 5–14, 2024
📍 Location: Korea National University of Arts, Seoul
🕙 Daily Masterclasses – 40 students will receive public lessons from top faculty
🗣️ Discussion on Chopin’s Life (August 8)
🎵 Faculty Concert (August 8)
🎶 Music Dialogue & Open Discussion (August 10)
🏆 AIPAS Competitions (Solo / Concerto) (August 13–14)
🎤 Winners' Concert (August 14)
The Auer International Piano Academy offers a rare opportunity for young pianists to engage with renowned mentors, refine their artistry, and reflect on the deeper meaning of music.
✍️ By Ho-Jeong Kim (wisehj@joongang.co.kr)
출처: http://www.musiced.co.kr/bbs/board.php?tbl=interview&mode=VIEW&category=&chr=&num=2761&
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