Meet Yae seul (Srisley) Kim

We were lucky to catch up with Yae seul (Srisley) Kim recently and have shared our conversation below.

Yae seul (Srisley), we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I grew up surrounded by love and music, thanks to my maternal grandmother, mother, and aunt, all of whom are musicians. Additionally, I received significant support from my father, who worked in a field unrelated to music. I feel fortunate to be able to pass on the love I received to others. However, life presents its challenges, and everyone has their own story. While I have not yet experienced any significant failures, I have a tendency to worry excessively about minor, unlikely events. Perhaps this confidence stems naturally from my preparation for both large and small performances.

Whenever I prepare for anything, I adhere to two principles: first, give it my best effort. Life often places us in situations where we cannot accomplish everything we desire or even everything we should. Within these constraints, I make the most of my time, plan meticulously, and maximize the opportunities I have. This strict time management ensures that, regardless of the outcome, I never regret my efforts with thoughts like “I should have done this instead of that.”

Secondly, I remind myself that one project or one performance does not define who I am. It’s common to feel frustrated when we fail a desired test or miss an opportunity, but such moments are rarely once-in-a-lifetime. We learn from each experience, grow, and avoid repeating past mistakes. For instance, I was recently one of the five finalists in the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition and performed at the Florida Theatre. Although I did not win a prize, I wasn’t disappointed because this single competition does not encapsulate my entire identity. Music is subjective and influenced by various factors. I cherished the vibrant atmosphere of the venue, the standing ovation from the audience, and the support of those dear to me, which brought me great happiness.

Reflecting on this, I miss Jenny Xu, the remarkable pianist who was a semi-finalist in the Herbie Hancock Competition and a finalist in Jacksonville.

Ultimately, I am not afraid of failure. Remember, even if you fail, there are always people who will cheer you on and support you. Maintain your confidence and, like a ball that rises higher the farther it falls, never fear failure. We need to build resilience so that we can soar higher when new opportunities arise.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Pianist, composer, and educator Srisley hails from Korea. She earned a master’s degree in jazz music from Kyung Hee University Graduate School in South Korea and received a full scholarship to the Berklee College of Music. Her decision to leave her long-established career in South Korea and undertake the grueling 14-hour journey to study Latin American music demonstrates her unwavering commitment to her art.

Her adept leadership of ensembles, ranging from solo piano to big bands, is evident from her experience in Korea, where, as Artistic Director, she managed approximately 40 musicians and tap dancers and directed all performances. Additionally, she was selected as a finalist in the prestigious Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition and was honored as a composer at Berklee’s annual Career Jam.

Srisley’s ethos places paramount emphasis on fostering human connections, while her profound reverence for collaborative musical endeavors remains at the core of her artistic philosophy.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The first essential element is confidence and believing in yourself. This is especially true in music. I learned classical piano as a child and participated in various competitions, each with a set piece. Even if we play the same piece, our performance varies depending on our mood, environment, and even the weather. The strength to believe in yourself despite these factors is crucial, and that strength comes from the practice and preparation you put in. Because It’s impossible for you to believe in yourself if you haven’t done anything, which leads to the second factor: time management.

Many people often say, “I don’t have time, I’m too busy.” I used to think that way too. However, I realized that it wasn’t a lack of time but rather an inability to manage my time effectively. Time is the most equitable resource on this planet, and it’s up to us to utilize it wisely. I prioritize my tasks and allocate time for each, without overwhelming myself. I aim to do a bit of everything, carving out time according to my daily schedule.

The third piece of advice I would give to students, especially those just starting with jazz piano, is foundational training. In Korea, the classical piano education system is well-organized, and many students begin formal training from a young age. However, I have encountered jazz piano students who skipped classical training altogether and went straight to jazz. I don’t think this is the best approach. I teach them classical piano, and I firmly believe that a deep study of classical music before transitioning to jazz is beneficial. Growing up with a classical pianist mother, I learned important pieces from a young age, including works by Schubert, Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, and Ravel.
This principle applies not only to jazz piano but to any instrumental field. The difference between a musician with a classical background and one without is significant.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

I would recommend Thus Spake Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche. My first introduction to Nietzsche was a book gift from my father—a collection of Nietzsche’s quotes translated into Korean. At that time, I didn’t understand any of it. Later, as an adult, I revisited the book. Nietzsche’s unflinching criticism of the harshness of reality, his acknowledgment of human limitations, and his insistence on the need for individuals to lead their own lives resonated with me deeply. His poignant and lucid statements, such as “Passion gives rise to opinions, and mental negligence hardens them into convictions” and “The advantage of having a bad memory is that you can enjoy the same thing many times, as if it were the first time,” were particularly impactful.
This sparked my interest in philosophy, prompting me to buy and read Thus Spoke Zarathustra. As expected, the book was challenging, and during my first read, I struggled to grasp its concepts. However, after a second and third read, I began to notice the extensive symbolism—sun, gold, shadow, noon, etc.—that Nietzsche wove into the text, bringing me closer to understanding his thoughts. There are still sentences that elude me, compelling me to delve deeper into his work. I would like to leave you with one of my favorite quotes from him: “May you never abandon the hero in your soul.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.srisley.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Srisley_/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@srisley
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/srisley-music