Daily Inspiration: Meet Jane Lee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Lee

Hi Jane, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

My journey as a musician began in a household filled with music. My father, a guitarist and singer, and my mother, a pianist, created an environment where music was a natural part of life. Growing up in Chicago, I was fortunate to attend many Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts, which were life-changing experiences. Hearing symphonic music filled my heart, and from that moment, I dreamed of being a superstar on stage, shining in the spotlight.

My journey truly took shape under the guidance of my mentors, Dr. Hong Zhu, a violinist of the OKC Philharmonic, and Prof. David Halen, a concertmaster of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. I was able to refine my technical skills and find my artistic voice through Dr. Zhu’s guidance. His mentorship went beyond music, fostering my confidence and resilience as I adjusted to life in a new country, here in the States. And I continued my studies at the University of Michigan, where Professor David Halen became a guiding force in my development. His artistry and wisdom challenged me to elevate my playing and deepen my storytelling through music. More importantly, his mentorship shaped my character, teaching me the value of discipline, humility, and connecting with others through my craft.

These experiences laid the foundation for who I am today—a musician dedicated to sharing emotions and stories through every performance. During and after completing my master’s degree, I continued my passion for opera and began performing with professional orchestras.

Every step of my journey has been about growth—not only as a violinist but as a person. I carry the wisdom and inspiration of my mentors, my family’s musical legacy, and the transformative experiences of my youth in Chicago Symphony Orchestra concerts in everything I do. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities to contribute to the rich tapestry of the music world.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I would say the road to where I am today has been remarkably smooth, and I owe that entirely to my family. My parents, grandparents, and aunt have been my unwavering pillars of support, providing everything I needed—financial stability, emotional encouragement, and unconditional love. Their belief in me and my dreams made every challenge seem surmountable. This journey would never have been possible without them. Their support has been the foundation of all my successes and the driving force behind my ability to persevere and grow.

Of course, there were struggles along the way. Transitioning from a smaller school to the University of Michigan, one of the most prestigious music institutions in the world, was an enormous adjustment. I experienced moments of self-doubt and lost confidence, but the love and encouragement from my family never wavered. They were always there, cheering me on, making sure I knew I wasn’t alone in this journey. Additionally, I was fortunate to have the support of my serious long-term boyfriend, Braden Starcher, during my graduate school journey. He provided an extra layer of confidence and strength and was just always there for my every single event on behalf of my family who couldn’t be there all the way from South Korea, always encouraging me to keep going. Whether the moments were happy, challenging, or stressful, he was by my side, celebrating my victories and comforting me in difficult times. Braden brought balance and warmth to my life in a way I didn’t know I needed. He not only encouraged me to chase my dreams but also helped me find joy in the process. His unwavering faith in me gave me the courage to push through my hardest days, and his presence was a constant reminder that I was never alone in this journey.

Ultimately, the love and care from the people I love were the most significant factors in making my journey feel smooth. Their support turned every potential obstacle into a stepping stone, allowing me to focus on my passion and grow into the artist I am today.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

I’m a classical musician and violinist who loves telling stories through music. I specialize in opera, symphonic, and chamber music, and my goal is to connect with audiences and share emotions through my performances.

What sets me apart is that I’ve come from the other side of the world to succeed in the U.S. as a musician. Through my performance career, I’ve had the privilege of working with renowned orchestras and opera companies, which has allowed me to make a significant impact on the music scene here. I’ve also dedicated myself to teaching, inspiring students to connect with music in a meaningful way, and fostering their creativity. Whether on stage or in the classroom, I aim to be an impactful musician who shares the joy of music and helps others find their own voice through it. What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come at such a young age. At 25, I’ve also taught at three different public and private schools across the country, reaching students from diverse backgrounds. In addition to that, I’ve taught private lessons to approximately 200 students on piano, violin, viola, and voice. I’m also honored to act as an adjudicator for music festivals in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New York. These experiences have allowed me to become a well-rounded musician and educator, and I’m proud to have made an impact in the U.S. music scene at such an early stage of my career.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

Growing up, I was always very outgoing, talkative, energetic, and social. Those are the words my friends and I would use to describe me. I’ve always had a natural ability to inspire people with my energy and spread positivity wherever I go. During undergrad, my friends started a campaign called “MORE JANE” to encourage students on campus who were feeling drained from midterms and finals. I’ve always enjoyed being around people and never liked being alone. Being social and connecting with others was a big part of my identity from a young age.

As for my interests, music has always been at the heart of everything I do. As a child, I had a huge passion for music and wanted to be a pianist, violinist, dancer, and musical theatre singer. Music was my way of expressing myself, and I loved the idea of performing for others. There was even a time I was entertained the idea of becoming a K-pop star, as I loved the spotlight and the energy that came with performing. Yet, no matter where my passions took me, the one consistent answer I always gave when asked, “What do you want to be in the future?” was “A musician.” Interestingly, even fortune tellers, astrologers, and physiognomists told me that I was born to be on the stage, which only further fueled my belief that my path was meant to be a musician, sharing my music with the world.