Biography

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.