Meet Nery Kim

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nery Kim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nery, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
My confidence and self-esteem have grown through various means. Firstly, my family has been a significant source of support and validation. Being a devoted daughter and a beloved wife has given me a sense of purpose and importance in my personal life. Secondly, I’m fortunate to have wonderful friends who continuously encourage and uplift me. Nurturing these relationships and maintaining positive connections has contributed to my self-esteem.
Additionally, setting both short-term and long-term goals has been instrumental in building my confidence. As a jazz pianist, releasing an album each year has been a fulfilling accomplishment for me. When I receive appreciation from people who enjoy my music and play, it fills me with pride and reinforces my confidence as a musician.
Finally, embracing objective proof of my achievements has also played a crucial role in boosting my self-esteem. The ability to make a living doing what I love is something I cherish, and it serves as a solid foundation for my confidence and self-worth. Overall, it is a combination of these factors that has led to the development of my confidence and self-esteem.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
As a jazz pianist, my journey began with a dream ignited by my first encounter with jazz music during high school. Fuelled by passion, I took a leap and decided to pursue my musical education in the United States. After graduating from Berklee, CalArts, and USC, I delved into the world of jazz as both a leader and a sideman. Performing at various jazz clubs and the stages of jazz festivals, I found immense joy and fulfillment in my musical endeavors. One particularly memorable experience was being part of the band ‘NUMU,’ led by the pioneering bassist Sekou Bunch. Collaborating with talented musicians in that group was an incredible learning experience and a source of inspiration for my own artistic growth.
In 2020, I reached a significant milestone by recording my debut album, ‘PURPLE REFLECTION,’ alongside the legendary bassist John Patitucci. This accomplishment was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication to my craft. However, amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, I returned to South Korea and found a new sense of reward in teaching at universities. Guiding and supporting my students on their musical journeys has been an enriching experience, and witnessing their growth has been truly fulfilling.
Recently, I released my single ‘AHOH,’ which features a unique arrangement of Stevie Wonder’s timeless classic ‘Overjoyed,’ combined with my original composition ‘On it.’ The process of creating new music and witnessing it evolve is an exciting journey that continually inspires me.
Looking ahead, I am filled with anticipation for what the future holds. I am eager to explore new musical horizons and continue my artistic growth. I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way, and I am excited to share my passion for jazz music with audiences around the world.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three main things come to my mind for answering this question: communication skills, positive mindset, and consistency and perseverance. One of the most crucial aspects of my journey was realizing the significance of effective communication. Moving to a new country with little knowledge of the language presented challenges, and I recognized that enhancing my communication skills would open more doors for me. Whether you are pursuing a creative passion like music or any other field, the ability to express yourself clearly and connect with others is invaluable.
Also, despite facing obstacles like multiple ear surgeries that threatened my ability to hear, I chose to maintain a positive mindset. Cultivating a positive outlook helped me persevere through difficult times and stay focused on my goals. For those at the beginning of their journey, I encourage you to nurture a positive mindset. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and maintain optimism even when faced with setbacks. A positive attitude can empower you to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward.
Lastly, throughout my journey, I learned that steady and persistent effort was paramount to achieving success. The consistent dedication to my craft, even during challenging moments, played a significant role in my progress as a musician. I’d suggest to stay committed to your goals and practice regularly, even when progress seems slow. The journey may be filled with ups and downs, but perseverance can make all the difference in achieving your dreams.
Remember to be open-minded and learn from others who have already walked the path ahead of you, as their insights and experiences can be invaluable in shaping your own journey.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I find myself feeling overwhelmed, my primary strategy is to prioritize rest and relaxation. I believe that getting sufficient sleep is essential for recharging both my body and mind. So, the first step I take is to ensure I get enough rest to regain my energy. After resting, I engage in activities that bring me joy and relaxation. One of my favorite ways to unwind is by taking a soothing bath with bubbles, which helps me feel refreshed and relaxed. To add an element of excitement, I write down various activities I love on pieces of paper and randomly pick one to do. This way, it feels like a fun surprise, and I can focus solely on enjoying the chosen activity.
Some of my go-to activities include reading books at my favorite café, watching movies, visiting museums, going for walks, taking short trips, and indulging in my favorite foods. During these activities, I make a conscious effort not to dwell on other stressors or tasks, as it allows me to be fully present in the moment and let go of any overwhelming thoughts.

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Image Credits
Sunyoung Hwang, Nicholas Casillas

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