meet our founders

Co-President and Trustee

 Shiwoo Kim, a 12th-grade student at Montgomery High School, is the Co-Founder of Music of the Heart. He began his piano education at the age of five, inspired by his brother, and soon added the violin to his repertoire. Shiwoo has excelled in prestigious regional and international competitions, including Little Mozart, the 2023 International Association of Professional Music Teachers, and the 2023 Music Fest Competition. These achievements have led him to perform at renowned venues like Carnegie Hall, where he gained invaluable experience.

In a significant development, Shiwoo embraced the viola in the summer of 2023, further showcasing his versatility as a musician. Proficient in both the violin and viola, he contributes his unique talents to various ensembles in and out of school. 

He participated in the 2024 Carnegie Mellon University Summer Pre-College Program and recently won the 2024 Van Bach International Competition and the 2024 Prima Volta Competition. Currently, he is studying at Temple University's Pre-College Division with Marvin Moon, a world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra violist.

At Music of the Heart, Shiwoo is dedicated to giving back to the community through musical performances and is passionate about supporting music education in underprivileged regions worldwide.

 Co-Vice President and Trustee

Jacob Chang is a co-founder of Music of the Heart Inc. and is a 11th grader at Montgomery High School. Jacob’s love for music began at the age of six when he first learned to play the piano. However, it wasn’t long before he discovered his true passion in the rich resonance of the cello, prompting him to switch instruments at the age of nine. Jacob’s dedication to cello earned him numerous accolades, including the Grand Prix at Music Fest, which allowed him to perform at the world-famous Carnegie Hall. He also won two 1st Prizes and an Outstanding Musicality Special Award at the Van Bach International Music Competition and participated in the Crescendo International Competition and the Golden Key Music Festival to earn him additional awards. Jacob is currently the principal cellist in his high school orchestra and plays at his church ensemble group. Aside from the love of music, Jacob simultaneously finds comfort and challenge on the golf course. He is a member of his high school varsity team and has won local and regional golf tournaments. Driven by both a passion for music and love for his grandmother who suffers from dementia, Jacob loves to improve the quality of life for his grandmother and other senior citizens by performing music as therapy.

Digital Media Director and Trustee

Jason Noh, a junior at Montgomery High School, is the co-founder of Music of the Heart, a community initiative dedicated to fostering a love for music. His musical journey began at age 10 with the clarinet, and his exceptional talent quickly gained recognition. Jason has earned numerous accolades, including high honors in the NJMTA Spring Audition and CJMEA Regional Wind Ensemble. Notable achievements in his career include winning the Grand Prix at the 2022 Music Fest competition, securing 2nd place at the 2023 International Association of Professional Music Teachers (IAPMT) Competition, and 1st prize at the 2024 Prima Volta Competition. He also received the prestigious 2024 International Music Leadership Merit Award and 1st place at the 2024 NY International Young Virtuoso Competition.

Currently, Jason is a scholarship student at the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division, where he studies under Ms. Renee Rosen. As co-founder of Music of the Heart, he is passionate about using his talents to inspire others and make a lasting positive impact on his community.

Financial Director and Trustee

Justin Noh, a dedicated and talented 11th-grader at Montgomery High School, is the co-founder of Music of the Heart, a non-profit organization that serves the community through musical performances. His musical journey began at age 3 with the piano, and while he briefly tried the violin at age 10, it was the bassoon that captured his passion. Drawn to its rich and resonant tones, Justin found his true musical calling.

Currently, Justin attends the Manhattan School of Music Precollege Division on a significant scholarship. He recently earned third prize in the 2024 Prima Volta Music Competition and was awarded the 2024 International Music Leadership Rising Bassoonist of the Season, along with the Expressive Excellence Special Award.

In addition to excelling in his personal musical pursuits, Justin is devoted to expanding Music of the Heart and envisions the organization making a meaningful impact through its performances and community outreach. As a young leader, he is passionate about using music to foster connection and inspire others.

Trustee

While only an 8th grader at Montgomery Upper Middle School, Hannah Chang became one of the co-founders of Music of the Heart.  Hannah has loved to sing almost as soon as she began to speak.  Her love for beautiful melody drew her to the piano at the age of 6.  Since then, her dedication to music has garnered her recognition in achieving the highest honor at the NJMTA Spring Festival and receiving distinction in the grade level 5 piano exam through the Trinity College of London.  She further hones her musical skill as a member of the school orchestra, where she plays the viola and is a member of the select orchestra.  Previously, Hannah also sang in the Princeton Girl Choir, and she continues to pursue voice coaching at the Westminster Conservator of Rider University. Beyond music, Hannah indulges in her passion for golf, where she has showcased her skills on the green by clinching victories in local, regional, and NJPGA state tournaments. Driven by her desire to give back to the community that has provided her so much, Hannah is committed to spreading the joy of music and bringing a sparkle to the eyes of the denizens of NJ and beyond.