Violist, Educator and Entrepreneur Kim Foster proudly wears multiple professional hats and has forged a path that fiercely represents an alternative, independent career model for 21st century classical musicians. She enjoys an active freelance presence in New York City, runs a private viola studio in Manhattan, and works in higher education administration in career services at the Juilliard School.

 

Kim’s most recent performances consist of appearances with The New Jersey Symphony, The Palm Beach Opera, and the New York City Ballet. Previously she served as Principal Violist of the Allentown, PA Symphony and as Acting Assistant Principal of the Albany Symphony. A highly accomplished chamber musician, she has been a frequent guest artist with the Alaria Chamber Ensemble at Weill Recital Hall. In 2017, she performed the Brahms Clarinet Quintet with renowned violinist Shlomo Mintz in Port Washington, NY. In 2019, Kim performed the Rebecca Clarke sonata for the Yale School of Music Alumni Reunion in New Haven, CT, to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the work and in celebration of the 50 year anniversary of coeducation at Yale College. Currently, Kim is working on her first solo recording of 20th century works by women composers and is aiming for release by the end of 2024.

 

Kim has been teaching for over 20 years in multiple realms, including K12 middle school strings, chamber music for adult amateurs and privately through her studio. Her online course, ‘Developing Inner Pulse and Rhythm’ focuses on teaching musicians skills that develop the feeling sense of pulse in order to have ‘a better sense of rhythm.’ Her pedagogical mission centers on helping violists develop technical and musical skills that develop curiosity and greater confidence in order to facilitate a positive bond with one’s instrumental practice.

 

As a staunch advocate for blazing one’s own path, Kim’s mission is to educate and support musicians defining their own pathways through their own creative journeys. Since 2015 she has been developing a holistic educational model which addresses the mental, physical, emotional and career experience of the professional artist. In 2017, Kim became certified as a Positive Psychology based life coach for musicians. Her areas of expertise include mindset, life and career balance, managing anxiety, and self actualization. Kim works in the Alan D Marks Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement at the Juilliard School as part of the Hire Juilliard Performers program, a program that teaches students and alumni business management skills through booking performances for both private and corporate events. 

 

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