Sora Park Shepard

General Interest
Performing has always been one of my strongest desires. Expressing myself through music and sharing the power, beauty, and turmoil wrapped up in great compositions is a true joy. Most of my research is on the topic of healthy technique. There are many approaches to keyboard technique, and finding the one that best fits the body mechanics of the individual player is crucial for life-long health and enjoyment.

Years at Knox: 2021 to present

Education
D.M.A, Candidate, 2025 Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy, 2025, University of Kansas
Artist Diploma, 2015, Piano Performance, University of Missouri-Kansas City
M.M., 2011, Piano Performance, Western Illinois University
B.M., 2007, Piano Performance, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea

Teaching Interest:
My goal as an educator is to help students grow in their craft and their ability to communicate
through music. Whether with a private piano student or in collaboration with a soloist, I want to
help each performer's authentic voice emerge and shine.

Selected Professional Accomplishments
Awards and honors
Winner of Artist Presentation Audition in St.Loius, MO, April 26, 2014
Winner of Chancellor’s Concerto Competition in UMKC, October 15, 2013
Prize Winner of American Prize, piano solo division, July 8, 2011
Second prize winner of American Prize, piano concerto division, July 8, 2011
Winner of Western Illinois Concerto Competition in Macomb, Illinois, October 2010