Sophie Kim

Harpist Sophie Kim is currently pursuing her Specialist of Music at the University of Michigan with Yolanda Kondanassis. Raised in College Park, MD, Sophie was named a National Symphony Orchestra Youth Fellow in 2017. She has served as principal harpist at the Mostly Modern Festival, the Monteux School, the Round Top Festival Institute, and the Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival, as well as participating in the National Orchestral Institute + Festival. She has toured the UK, Wales, and the East Coast with the American Youth Harp Ensemble. In June 2025, she won the Mostly Modern Festival Concerto Competition, and will be performing with the Mostly Modern Festival Orchestra in the summer of 2026. She has served as substitute principal harpist for the Boise Philharmonic. Sophie enjoys working with composers and performing new music and has premiered works by Shih-Hui Chen, Nicki Sohn, Anthony Brandt, Victor Tswei, Stephen Bachicha, and Alex Moreno. 

My teaching style is enthusiastic, personal, and highly adaptable. I take time to get to know each student as an individual and to understand what excites them most about playing the harp. From there, I tailor lessons to their goals, whether they are learning for enjoyment, preparing for auditions, or building a strong technical foundation.

I believe in finding the balance between encouragement and challenge, helping students feel supported while also inspiring them to grow and reach their creative potential. Above all, I aim to create a positive, welcoming environment where students feel comfortable exploring, experimenting, and developing their own musical voice.