ABOUT Jason

Korean-American pianist & multimedia freelancer JASON LEE brings a unique expertise and blend of two creative skills to the table. On the music front, Jason’s natural musicality and exceptional versatility has captivated audiences throughout the United States and beyond. During his ongoing 19 year musical journey, Jason has performed, competed, and shared music with people all across the world, landing in prestigious locations such as New York’s Carnegie Hall, Chicago’s Symphony Center, and historic concert venues in Italy. Making his radio debut at the age of 9 on Chicago’s WFMT, Jason has carried his musical success all throughout college and beyond, recently winning the 2023 Thursday Musical Scholarship Competition, claiming 2nd Prize at the 2023 Chicago International Piano Competition, and earning the Iowa State Representative in the 2021 MTNA Piano Competition.

Jason is a proud graduate and B.A. Graeber Scholar of the University of Iowa School of Music, earning his B.M. in Piano Performance under the tutelage of Dr. Rene Lecuona. His time at Iowa provided unparalleled access to exceptional musical experience. Jason is a 3-time performer at the University of Iowa Key Change Piano Festivals. He has been featured on numerous occasions of Piano Sundays in partnership with the Old Capitol Museum in Iowa City. In addition, Jason has had the opportunity to give 4 solo piano recitals, more than fifteen chamber music recitals, and be selected for numerous masterclasses with prestigious visiting artists during his time at Iowa. Apart from classical piano, Jason also served as the pianist for the Jazz Repertory Ensemble, under the direction of Grammy-Award winning trumpeter, Curtis Taylor, and most recently held the chair of pianist for the Black Pop Music Ensemble, led by renowned jazz pianist Dr. William Menefield. Furthermore, Jason served as a private piano instructor through the Iowa Community Music School, a staff accompanist for the University of Iowa Dance Department, and a House Manager for the School of Music concerts. Whether on stage or backstage, Jason found every way to get involved with music during his 4 years at Iowa.

On the multimedia front, Jason is a self-taught photographer and videographer, with 8+ years of freelance multimedia experience. He has experience in everything from dynamic documentaries, professional headshots, product and commercial shoots, weddings, and more. Jason recently was appointed Director of Sideline Stories, a mini-documentary series through top Illinois sports company Sloche Media, covering the best IHSA football games throughout the 2024 season, and crafting unique storylines surrounding some of Illinois’s best high school athletes. Jason freelances for a number of companies, such as Intervarsity Press, where he provides audio mixing and editing, and runs content and media for local Illinois performance center Trident Elite Athletics.

Jason now resides in the Chicagoland area, where he has built prominent and strong connections with businesses and individuals, both in the realm of music and media. Jason is also on faculty and teaches piano at Bellas Artes School of Music. In his time away from the piano and camera, he greatly enjoys sports, golf, and hanging out with his dog, Simba.