Eunmi Lee

Eunmi Lee is a Korean-born, New York-based jazz pianist, composer, and educator celebrated for her fearless approach to blending her cultural heritage with contemporary jazz. Her musical journey began in Seoul, where she earned an associate degree from the Seoul Institute of Arts and worked extensively in theater, bandstand, and media music. In 2016, she expanded her artistic scope by moving to the Netherlands to study jazz piano on a Holland National Excellence scholarship, completing her Bachelor of Music degree a year ahead of schedule in 2019.

In 2020, Lee relocated to New York City to pursue her Master’s degree in Jazz Piano at New York University, studying under Dave Pietro and Dr. Dave Schroeder. Her debut album Introspection features an outstanding roster—Alan Ferber, Ari Hoenig, John Ellis, Jon Gordon, Remy Le Boeuf, Meg Okura, and more—performing seven original compositions that reflect her personal and diverse approach to jazz. The album traverses intimate trio settings to the sweeping textures of a 17-piece jazz orchestra.

Lee is also an active participant in the BMI Jazz Composer Workshop and has received numerous accolades, including the Prize Winner at the Daegu International Contemporary Music Festival (2013), Semi-Finalist in the 7 Virtual Jazz Contest (2019), Honorable Mention in the Ithaca International Jazz Composition Contest (2023), and awarded a 2025 New York State Council on the Arts grant. Through her performances, recordings, and large-ensemble compositions, Lee continues to establish herself as a vital new voice in contemporary jazz.

Eunmi Lee: Introspection

Read "Introspection" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
August 17, 2023

Eunmi Lee is a quick learner. The South Korean-born pianist, who now makes her home in New York City, did not become acquainted with or interested in jazz until a friend introduced her to the GRP Records catalogue. That was more than a year after she had received a degree in contemporary piano from the Seoul Institute for the Arts, in 2005. Eager to learn more, Lee came to California in 2007 to take part in an open house at ...

Album Review

Eunmi Lee: Introspection

Read "Introspection" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
June 19, 2023

Korean-born, New York-based pianist and composer Eunmi Lee opens her debut record, Introspection with her original composition, “Gimmick." And, if there is a gimmick, it sounds as if it might be her strong compositional voice and her way with an arrangement. The tune features Alan Ferber on trombone, saxophonist John Ellis, a guitar, bass and drums rhythm section, and Lee in the piano chair. In spite of the album's title, this opener is a bright, sassy roller. Maybe the gimmick ...

All About Jazz by Dan McClenghan

“All tunes here were penned by Lee. Moods shift and ensemble interplay is top-notch…. a dream sound that points to Lee's musical versatility. "Wavelength" puts on display—after showcasing chamber jazz and bigger band offerings—Lee's skill at small ensemble writing. Employing just piano, guitar, bass and drums, she crafts a spare, gorgeous ballad that explores the concept of human compassion.”

All About Jazz by Dan McClenghan

Jazz History Online by Thomas Cunniffe

“Eunmi Lee has already developed a unique musical voice and a highly personal approach to music composition and improvisation. With the proper support of her talent, she is certain to develop into one of the greatest musicians of her generation.”

JW Vibe by Jonathan Widran

“Introspection is a fascinating debut from an artist whose sense of melodic and harmonic adventure knows no bounds. It’s an exciting foundation for a career that promises to be a fruitful, ever-evolving excursion into the future of contemporary jazz… A true musical citizen of the world and fast emerging, multi-faceted musical visionary.”

Paris-Move by Thierry de Clemensat

“Classical and jazz meet and bounce off each other with compositions that are perfectly written and arranged… a discreetly charming album that may very well loop on your CD player.”

Simply Jazz Talk

“There is so much to admire about Introspection: the writing, the variation in group settings from quartet to full ensemble, the variety of musical styling, and, of course, the standard of playing. Eunmi Lee’s name may be the one that fronts the album cover but this is, without doubt, a collaborative effort and that comes across very strongly throughout this release. I have been very fortunate to review a number of very good debut albums this year and this sits comfortably among the best of them.”

Slang of Ages by Preston Frazier

“A musical journey filled with captivating melodies and thought-provoking compositions…Eunmi Lee's "Introspection" is a stunning debut album that highlights her exceptional talent as a pianist and composer. The album is an engaging listen for jazz enthusiasts.”

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