Shanna Jung
Shanna Jung was only 5 when she became interested in music. Her brother was taking piano lessons, and she would get on the piano bench and press random keys to create a melody. So, her mother signed her up for piano lessons. Her current piano teacher is Michaela Kovacova, who she says is her greatest influence.
“She would push me to do my very best and remind me to enjoy the piece. If not for Dr. Kovacova, I would have gone so many years believing I was not musically talented because unknowingly, she was the one who really brought out my potential. Of course, my mother would be my biggest fan and encourage me to practice every day because she believes that without hard work, there is no result. Then, there is my vocal teacher Dr. Sunjoo Oh who teaches at ETSU. She brought me into a different world in music. I was so used to internalizing music in my head, but Dr. Oh told me that in singing, you need to not only sing in your head but also in front. This teaching of hers also helped me speak more confidently within my peers,” Shanna says.
Shanna recently won first place in the Bristol Music Club Scholarship auditions. This was not her first award. She placed second in the Bristol Music Club competition in 2022 and tied for first in 2024 with her friend Julia Hu. She placed fourth in Asheville’s 2023 Piano Competition. She and Julia won first prize in Junior Ensemble at the 2024 Knoxville International Piano Festival and Competition. In 2025, she placed first again – this time with William Tran as her partner.
“Classical and showtunes are my favorite kinds of music. This may be due to my early upbringing in playing classical pieces and acting in musicals through my school theater. I love how classical music, specifically instrumentals, would have no words which allowed listeners like me to freely interpret or be soothed by the songs. Showtune-wise, I really liked how each song had their own story to tell and blended certain music genres together. Now, if I really had to choose, I would say I slightly prefer classical music over show tunes.
“This is a little embarrassing to say, but I secretly enjoy showing off. There is a hint of excitement when I stride across the stage to stand in front and bow in respect to the audience. I feel slightly nervous when I sit on the black bench and lay my hands on the piano. Then, I play the first note and before I even know it, magic ensues. Performing immerses me. I don’t just hear the music; I feel the story. But nothing beats the final moment where I finish the piece, and there is that moment of silence. As I enclose the story’s ending, a burst of applause fills my heart with joy and value to which I would not have it in any other way. If I had to summarize, the chance to share my success with others is what interests me the most about performing,” Shanna says.
Shanna hopes to become a doctor and travel the world to help those in need, specifically third-world countries. She plans to major in health science or biology and minor in piano for college. After graduation she hopes to find time to play the piano, “because I don’t think I could ever live without it,” she says.
When not studying or practicing, Shanna likes to crochet, read, do puzzles and draw. She is also on her school’s swimming team. She is 16 and a junior at Science Hill High School, Johnson City, Tennessee. Her parents are Kyung Sik Jung and Jisun Jeong.
