B i o g r a p h y
Praised for her expressive artistry and engaging musicianship, Dr. Chan Mi Jean is a pianist, educator, and community builder dedicated to connecting performance, collaboration, and innovative music education.
Dr. Jean serves as Assistant Professor of Piano and Director of Keyboard Studies at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she teaches applied piano, collaborative piano, piano literature, piano pedagogy, and group piano. Passionate about student-centered and accessible music education, she is committed to helping students grow not only as performers, but also as collaborators, teachers, and lifelong musicians. Her teaching interests include creative pedagogy, digital learning, collaborative musicianship, and community engagement.
An active performer, Dr. Jean has appeared throughout the United States and internationally as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative pianist. She has performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall and has received prizes in several national and international competitions, including the New York International Music Concours. Her performances and recordings reflect a broad range of musical interests, from standard solo repertoire to interdisciplinary and collaborative projects.
As a dedicated educator and advocate for community engagement, Dr. Jean is the founder and director of the UTM Piano Arts Camp, an immersive summer program that introduces young pianists to collegiate musical experiences through lessons, chamber music, masterclasses, and performances. She is also actively involved in developing initiatives that strengthen connections between university music programs and local communities.
Prior to her appointment as Assistant Professor of Piano, Dr. Jean served as Lecturer in Collaborative Piano and Director of Keyboard Studies at the University of Tennessee at Martin. She has also held positions as staff pianist, opera coach, and collaborative pianist, working extensively with singers, instrumentalists, and choirs.
Born in South Korea and raised in China, Dr. Jean brings a global perspective to her artistry and teaching. Her multicultural background and experiences have shaped her belief that music has the power to build community, foster human connection, and create meaningful opportunities for learning and artistic growth.
In addition to her performing and teaching activities, Dr. Jean enjoys mentoring young musicians, developing innovative educational programs, and sharing the joy of music with students and communities of all ages.
