Podcast Interviews with Music Educators
Jee-Hoon Krska / Founder of Keys 2 Success
Dr. Jee-Hoon Krska is the founder of Keys 2 Success, a Newark-based music education program that provides free, high-quality piano instruction to children in underserved communities. Born in Malaysia, she immigrated to the United States at age eleven and continued her piano studies as a scholarship student in Juilliard’s Pre-College program. Although she was a gifted pianist, Dr. Krska later earned a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from MIT and spent about twenty years working in the semiconductor industry. Her path changed after becoming involved with youth in Newark’s Pennington Court public housing community, where she saw how deeply access, opportunity, and mentorship could shape a child’s future. In 2016, she founded Keys 2 Success to make classical music education available to students who might not otherwise have access to private lessons, instruments, or consistent arts programming. The program now serves students from Pre-K through middle school through free, daily group piano lessons and community-based support. Dr. Krska is also active in Arts Ed Newark and broader diversity and inclusion efforts, using music as both an educational tool and a way to build confidence, discipline, and belonging. Before listening to our conversation with her, it is important to understand that Dr. Krska’s work is not only about teaching piano; it is about opening doors for Newark’s youth through music, mentorship, and community.
Lou Chen / Founder of INTEMPO
Lou Chen is the Chief Executive Officer of INTEMPO, a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality music education to children from immigrant and underserved communities throughout Connecticut. A graduate of Princeton University, Chen has spent his career combining music, education, and community engagement to expand opportunities for young people. Before joining INTEMPO, he founded the Trenton Youth Orchestra, where he worked to make music education more accessible while connecting students with mentors and meaningful artistic experiences. In 2024, he became CEO of INTEMPO, continuing the organization’s mission of using music to foster confidence, leadership, and a sense of belonging. Before listening to our conversation with him, it is important to understand that Lou Chen’s work is not only about teaching music; it is about creating opportunities for children to develop academically, socially, and personally through the power of music.
Do-Yeon Kim / Founder of Paterson Music Project
