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Beyond the Keys: Music and Stories of Inspiration
Beyond the Music and Stories of Inspiration
isn’t just a book you read—it’s an emotional experience you see, feel, and hear! Each of the 52 chapters is a heartfelt reflection paired with a solo piano performance by Jeeyoon Kim (via QR code) and an original work of art by a contemporary artist.
“Consummate musicianship, engaging and innovative concert experience...”
— New York Classical Review
“I didn’t expect a book to slow me down in the best way. I found myself savoring each essay, then listening to the music in complete stillness. What a thoughtful and moving creation.”
—Noah Park, father and poet
Just as a piano has 52 white keys, Beyond the Keys offers 52 uplifting stories that take readers behind the scenes of a classical pianist’s life. Jeeyoon shares her journey as a South Korean immigrant, entrepreneur, and artist in her 40s—exploring themes of resilience, growth, and the power of positivity. With warmth and vulnerability, she offers encouragement, insight into an artist’s world, and the healing power of the arts.. JeeyoonKim.com
“Consummate musicianship, engaging and innovative concert experience...”
— New York Classical Review
“I didn’t expect a book to slow me down in the best way. I found myself savoring each essay, then listening to the music in complete stillness. What a thoughtful and moving creation.”
—Noah Park, father and poet
Just as a piano has 52 white keys, Beyond the Keys offers 52 uplifting stories that take readers behind the scenes of a classical pianist’s life. Jeeyoon shares her journey as a South Korean immigrant, entrepreneur, and artist in her 40s—exploring themes of resilience, growth, and the power of positivity. With warmth and vulnerability, she offers encouragement, insight into an artist’s world, and the healing power of the arts.. JeeyoonKim.com
272 pages, Hardcover
Published September 19, 2025
2 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 27, 2025
Not my usual cup of tea, but I gave it a try.
The collection of stories that share the journey of Jeeyoon Kim, and the inspiring lessons she learned throughout the years.
The stories are easy to read and mostly short. Each story has been paired with one of Kim’s works you can simply listen to while reading.
The visuals in the book are also another highlight I really liked.
One of the books that I would love to have as a physical copy once it’s out.
The collection of stories that share the journey of Jeeyoon Kim, and the inspiring lessons she learned throughout the years.
The stories are easy to read and mostly short. Each story has been paired with one of Kim’s works you can simply listen to while reading.
The visuals in the book are also another highlight I really liked.
One of the books that I would love to have as a physical copy once it’s out.
September 10, 2025
Quite beautiful and utterly unique, Beyond the Keys offers inspiring stories accompanied by gorgeous illustrations plus a QR code to access piano solos played by the author. A lovely gift for self and others.
dnf
September 25, 2025I've read 44% and I won't continue.
The concept is intriguing. I like her idea of adding or pairing music and art to her written "sections" or entries. The various so-called lessons seem like what she journaled. Her writing is technically fine; it's smooth, grammatically correct, and plainly accessible.
However, I found her musings and particularly the insights simplistic and pat...and sadly banal.
The concept is intriguing. I like her idea of adding or pairing music and art to her written "sections" or entries. The various so-called lessons seem like what she journaled. Her writing is technically fine; it's smooth, grammatically correct, and plainly accessible.
However, I found her musings and particularly the insights simplistic and pat...and sadly banal.
September 30, 2025
Many thanks to Greenleaf Book Group Press and NetGalley for making Beyond the Keys: Music and Stories of Inspiration, classical pianist, teacher, and author Jeeyoon Kim’s collection of 52 pieces of writing and reflection, available for review. I was surprised to find this book because I remember listening to Jeeyoon Kim’s excellent album 10 More Minutes a few years ago. I was really interested in classical French pianists like Debussy and Erik Satie, and this album had several of those songs on it, along with some other great piano pieces. I wasn’t aware that Jeeyoon wrote books, and that Beyond the Keys was not her first book. However, this book is unique in that it consists of collections from her newsletter, so the book can be read at any time, from any one of the chapters. I appreciated this aspect of the book—that it was really a kind of collection that I could refer to or come back to at any time. Furthermore, each chapter contained a QR code linking to a performance of some classical piece that Jeeyoon linked to her writing. Each chapter also contained artwork from different artists that paired in some ways with the memory or idea in the chapter’s writing. There are 52 chapters in the book since there are 52 white keys on a piano. To further emphasize the musical themes and metaphors, the book is divided into 5 movements, reflecting different themes, experiences, ideas, and inspiration from Jeeyoon. She provides this information along with some recommendations for reading the book—I especially liked the idea of taking time to read through and listen to the music after reading. However, I found it interesting that writing, for Jeeyoon, is a way of connecting with others as well as navigating aspects of life. It was interesting to learn about her different experiences beyond being a renowned musician, including her life as an immigrant from South Korea, her passion for music, and her continued desire to push her boundaries and try new activities and challenges.
I initially thought this book would be more focused on music and how Jeeyoon learned piano and became a classical pianist, but there was much more to offer. As a teacher, I especially appreciated her chapters about working with students and about Jeeyoon’s own desire to continually learn, whether it is surfing or Spanish. She reminds readers about the need to continue to challenge oneself and learn on a regular basis. Furthermore, one chapter dealt with “unlearning”, a concept where we try to build new habits by abandoning those learnings or habits that are no longer beneficial or useful for us. It’s something that I’ve taught before in a writing class for first year students, where we tried to encourage them to think about the need for unlearning in schools, to value lessons and ideas beyond what is taught, and to recognize that everyone has something of value to bring to a community of learners. Despite being a classically trained pianist and earning her doctorate in piano performance, Jeeyoon writes in some chapters about letting go of perfectionism with activities like surfing or speaking Spanish. She acknowledges that it is important to try these new activities, but she doesn’t always have to be the best. Again, there were many great lessons to impart to students and readers alike, and I felt like this was a great book that offered some useful anecdotes about important lessons in life.
Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was that Jeeyoon provides chapters that reflect on books she’s read. She takes the lessons from certain books and shares her own experiences with them, providing examples from her life of applying or challenging these principles and ideas. While I haven’t read many of the books, I was familiar with some of them, so it was interesting to see these ideas put into practice. I was also surprised to read about how candid Jeeyoon gets in some of the chapters, writing about her experiences with her father and her marriage and eventual divorce. These were both challenging situations, and she shared not only about her willingness to take a stand for herself, but also about the emotional impact it had on her later. However, I enjoyed her reflections on music and performance the most. As I try to work with my kids on their piano, I appreciated Jeeyoon’s ideas about bringing joy to practice and appreciating the kind of emotional connection we can have with music and playing an instrument. I’m not sure if my children will ever feel the kind of joy and appreciation Jeeyoon has for music; however, I think she helped to reframe my mindset on practice for my kids, as I try to work on learning songs and connecting with the emotion of the music. As I was reading this book, I just kept thinking about my kids’ piano teacher and how much she might appreciate this book as well. In one of the chapters that focuses on teaching, Jeeyoon talks about a young student who was probably forced to learn piano at an early age and was very difficult. As Jeeyoon explained, she couldn’t understand how someone would not enjoy learning piano since piano was so important to her. However, as any teacher can attest, it can be a challenge to get some students motivated to learn. It is a hard lesson, especially when teachers are skilled, knowledgeable and really passionate about their subjects. Nevertheless, Jeeyoon reflected on earning a teaching degree and teaching music to elementary students, and how this changed her outlook on teaching and music. This was one of those great lessons and success stories that Jeeyoon provides throughout the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s not necessarily a book to read from cover to cover like a novel. Rather, this is a wonderful collection of thoughts, reflections, and experiences, that highlight someone who is passionate about music and art, but who also loves to challenge herself and continue to learn. I felt really inspired after reading this book since Jeeyoon offers suggestions and ideas and poses questions about meeting challenges, questioning fear and hesitation about tackling tasks, and pursuing passions and interests. She frequently talks about thinking beyond being a concert pianist and finding ways to reach out and expand her audience through other media like podcasts, newsletters, a piano school, and recorded music. It’s really amazing to see how she is able to identify and create new opportunities. Although I received a digital copy of this book, I can only imagine that the physical book is even better to read, especially for the QR codes and the artwork. I will probably pick up a copy since I’d love to share some of these reflections with my kids. I was already pointing out some of Jeeyoon’s tips about practicing piano in the morning, rather than after school or at night when my kids practice. Beyond the Keys is a great book, filled with interesting and entertaining anecdotes, but also with many thoughtful and important lessons and ideas about learning and challenging oneself. I loved the idea of connecting musical pieces to the chapters and including artwork as well. Beyond the Keys is a great multimodal text that emphasizes how art, whether it is visual, musical, or literary, can be a healing force. Highly recommended!
I initially thought this book would be more focused on music and how Jeeyoon learned piano and became a classical pianist, but there was much more to offer. As a teacher, I especially appreciated her chapters about working with students and about Jeeyoon’s own desire to continually learn, whether it is surfing or Spanish. She reminds readers about the need to continue to challenge oneself and learn on a regular basis. Furthermore, one chapter dealt with “unlearning”, a concept where we try to build new habits by abandoning those learnings or habits that are no longer beneficial or useful for us. It’s something that I’ve taught before in a writing class for first year students, where we tried to encourage them to think about the need for unlearning in schools, to value lessons and ideas beyond what is taught, and to recognize that everyone has something of value to bring to a community of learners. Despite being a classically trained pianist and earning her doctorate in piano performance, Jeeyoon writes in some chapters about letting go of perfectionism with activities like surfing or speaking Spanish. She acknowledges that it is important to try these new activities, but she doesn’t always have to be the best. Again, there were many great lessons to impart to students and readers alike, and I felt like this was a great book that offered some useful anecdotes about important lessons in life.
Another aspect of the book that I enjoyed was that Jeeyoon provides chapters that reflect on books she’s read. She takes the lessons from certain books and shares her own experiences with them, providing examples from her life of applying or challenging these principles and ideas. While I haven’t read many of the books, I was familiar with some of them, so it was interesting to see these ideas put into practice. I was also surprised to read about how candid Jeeyoon gets in some of the chapters, writing about her experiences with her father and her marriage and eventual divorce. These were both challenging situations, and she shared not only about her willingness to take a stand for herself, but also about the emotional impact it had on her later. However, I enjoyed her reflections on music and performance the most. As I try to work with my kids on their piano, I appreciated Jeeyoon’s ideas about bringing joy to practice and appreciating the kind of emotional connection we can have with music and playing an instrument. I’m not sure if my children will ever feel the kind of joy and appreciation Jeeyoon has for music; however, I think she helped to reframe my mindset on practice for my kids, as I try to work on learning songs and connecting with the emotion of the music. As I was reading this book, I just kept thinking about my kids’ piano teacher and how much she might appreciate this book as well. In one of the chapters that focuses on teaching, Jeeyoon talks about a young student who was probably forced to learn piano at an early age and was very difficult. As Jeeyoon explained, she couldn’t understand how someone would not enjoy learning piano since piano was so important to her. However, as any teacher can attest, it can be a challenge to get some students motivated to learn. It is a hard lesson, especially when teachers are skilled, knowledgeable and really passionate about their subjects. Nevertheless, Jeeyoon reflected on earning a teaching degree and teaching music to elementary students, and how this changed her outlook on teaching and music. This was one of those great lessons and success stories that Jeeyoon provides throughout the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It’s not necessarily a book to read from cover to cover like a novel. Rather, this is a wonderful collection of thoughts, reflections, and experiences, that highlight someone who is passionate about music and art, but who also loves to challenge herself and continue to learn. I felt really inspired after reading this book since Jeeyoon offers suggestions and ideas and poses questions about meeting challenges, questioning fear and hesitation about tackling tasks, and pursuing passions and interests. She frequently talks about thinking beyond being a concert pianist and finding ways to reach out and expand her audience through other media like podcasts, newsletters, a piano school, and recorded music. It’s really amazing to see how she is able to identify and create new opportunities. Although I received a digital copy of this book, I can only imagine that the physical book is even better to read, especially for the QR codes and the artwork. I will probably pick up a copy since I’d love to share some of these reflections with my kids. I was already pointing out some of Jeeyoon’s tips about practicing piano in the morning, rather than after school or at night when my kids practice. Beyond the Keys is a great book, filled with interesting and entertaining anecdotes, but also with many thoughtful and important lessons and ideas about learning and challenging oneself. I loved the idea of connecting musical pieces to the chapters and including artwork as well. Beyond the Keys is a great multimodal text that emphasizes how art, whether it is visual, musical, or literary, can be a healing force. Highly recommended!
September 8, 2025
'Beyond the Keys' by Jeeyoon Kim is one of the most unique and inspiring books I have read in a long time. Written in the first person, Kim’s voice is warm and authentic, drawing readers in as though we are sitting with a new friend, listening to her stories over coffee. Her reflections feel genuine, and her ability to connect with the reader is remarkable.
The book is beautifully laid out, with soothing illustrations in light colors that never overwhelm but instead invite calm reflection. Organized like a musical composition, its chapters echo five movements, each one offering lessons in personal growth, mindfulness, humility, love, loss, and the beauty of life. Kim also explores timely themes such as the pros and cons of mobile devices, the importance of boundaries, and the quiet power of kindness.
What makes 'Beyond the Keys' truly innovative is its interactive design. Each chapter includes QR codes leading to Kim’s solo piano performances, perfectly paired with her reflections. She calls this feature “Concert Corner”, and it transforms the reading experience into something immersive—you are not only reading but also listening, absorbing emotions through both words and music. It feels like being given an exclusive seat at a private concert or walking through an art gallery where every piece is paired with a melody.
As someone whose Master’s thesis explored the relationship between language and music, I found this book deeply resonant. Kim’s belief—that music is a communication system in itself, capable of stirring emotions words cannot—aligns beautifully with my own. I was especially moved by the moment she plays Chopin after recounting her bond and betrayal by her father; the piece conveys all her emotions in ways prose alone never could.
The book also surprised me with practical wisdom. I found myself noting phrases more welcoming than my usual “Be careful,” adding new tools for kindness into my daily language. Kim’s recommendations, such as Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks (now on my TBR), further enrich the experience.
This is not a book to rush through. Like music, it is best savored—a chapter or two at a time, allowing the words and piano pieces to echo in your heart. Each story lingers, each melody amplifies its lesson. It is a book to return to, again and again, like replaying a favorite piece of music.
Above all, Kim emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human creativity in an age increasingly shaped by AI. Her reflections remind us of the rhythms that connect music to our very heartbeat, of the way sound carries emotion across boundaries of language and culture.
I have never read anything like 'Beyond the Keys'. It is innovative, intimate, and profoundly moving. For readers who love self-help, music, psychology, or the voices of South Korean writers, this book will be a gift.
Simply put, a luminous, multimodal reading experience that blends memoir, wisdom, and music into something unforgettable.
Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The book is beautifully laid out, with soothing illustrations in light colors that never overwhelm but instead invite calm reflection. Organized like a musical composition, its chapters echo five movements, each one offering lessons in personal growth, mindfulness, humility, love, loss, and the beauty of life. Kim also explores timely themes such as the pros and cons of mobile devices, the importance of boundaries, and the quiet power of kindness.
What makes 'Beyond the Keys' truly innovative is its interactive design. Each chapter includes QR codes leading to Kim’s solo piano performances, perfectly paired with her reflections. She calls this feature “Concert Corner”, and it transforms the reading experience into something immersive—you are not only reading but also listening, absorbing emotions through both words and music. It feels like being given an exclusive seat at a private concert or walking through an art gallery where every piece is paired with a melody.
As someone whose Master’s thesis explored the relationship between language and music, I found this book deeply resonant. Kim’s belief—that music is a communication system in itself, capable of stirring emotions words cannot—aligns beautifully with my own. I was especially moved by the moment she plays Chopin after recounting her bond and betrayal by her father; the piece conveys all her emotions in ways prose alone never could.
The book also surprised me with practical wisdom. I found myself noting phrases more welcoming than my usual “Be careful,” adding new tools for kindness into my daily language. Kim’s recommendations, such as Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks (now on my TBR), further enrich the experience.
This is not a book to rush through. Like music, it is best savored—a chapter or two at a time, allowing the words and piano pieces to echo in your heart. Each story lingers, each melody amplifies its lesson. It is a book to return to, again and again, like replaying a favorite piece of music.
Above all, Kim emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human creativity in an age increasingly shaped by AI. Her reflections remind us of the rhythms that connect music to our very heartbeat, of the way sound carries emotion across boundaries of language and culture.
I have never read anything like 'Beyond the Keys'. It is innovative, intimate, and profoundly moving. For readers who love self-help, music, psychology, or the voices of South Korean writers, this book will be a gift.
Simply put, a luminous, multimodal reading experience that blends memoir, wisdom, and music into something unforgettable.
Rating: 5/5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
November 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Jeeyoon Kim, and Greenleaf Book Group for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book wasn’t my usual pick, but I’m glad I gave it a shot. Jeeyoon Kim structures each chapter as a blend of personal story and life lesson, offering insights she’s gathered over time. What makes it especially engaging is the way she invites readers to reflect alongside her. There’s space to pause, think, and consider how her experiences might resonate with your own.
One standout feature is the inclusion of QR codes throughout the book, which link to her musical performances. It’s a creative and immersive touch that adds depth to the reading experience. Visually, the book keeps things simple. The art style is minimal but elegant, complementing the tone and message without distraction.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful and unique read that encourages introspection and connection. Definitely worth exploring if you're in the mood for something reflective and inspiring.
This book wasn’t my usual pick, but I’m glad I gave it a shot. Jeeyoon Kim structures each chapter as a blend of personal story and life lesson, offering insights she’s gathered over time. What makes it especially engaging is the way she invites readers to reflect alongside her. There’s space to pause, think, and consider how her experiences might resonate with your own.
One standout feature is the inclusion of QR codes throughout the book, which link to her musical performances. It’s a creative and immersive touch that adds depth to the reading experience. Visually, the book keeps things simple. The art style is minimal but elegant, complementing the tone and message without distraction.
Overall, it’s a thoughtful and unique read that encourages introspection and connection. Definitely worth exploring if you're in the mood for something reflective and inspiring.
December 19, 2025
Beyond the Keys: Music and Stories of Inspiration by Jeeyoon Kim is a beautifully unique and immersive journey into the life of a classical pianist. This book transcends traditional storytelling by blending heartfelt essays, original artwork, and solo piano performances, offering readers a fully sensory experience. Each chapter reflects Jeeyoon’s resilience, creativity, and dedication, inviting readers to feel the music, connect with the stories, and gain insight into the life of a passionate artist.
Jeeyoon’s storytelling is deeply personal yet universally relatable. By sharing her experiences as a South Korean immigrant, entrepreneur, and musician, she offers encouragement and inspiration for anyone navigating challenges, pursuing dreams, or seeking personal growth. The combination of music, narrative, and art creates a reflective and uplifting experience, making this book not only enjoyable but also transformative for readers.
Jeeyoon’s storytelling is deeply personal yet universally relatable. By sharing her experiences as a South Korean immigrant, entrepreneur, and musician, she offers encouragement and inspiration for anyone navigating challenges, pursuing dreams, or seeking personal growth. The combination of music, narrative, and art creates a reflective and uplifting experience, making this book not only enjoyable but also transformative for readers.
November 11, 2025
At first I was unsure of what to think about Beyond the Keys as I looked through the table of contents. But I just gave into it and enjoyed the memories that Jeeyoon Kim shared and the insights that she took away from each. Self help may be too stringent of a genre, more motivation and memoir, but interesting and enjoyable. The art paired beautifully with each chapter and added another layer of peace and thought to the words. The QR code linking to a specifically chosen song further enhanced the experience.
September 22, 2025
This is such a unique book, combining inspiring stories and beautiful piano solos. The illustrations are calming, as well. This book will stick with me for the unique angle of the QR codes for the music to accompany the stories, making this an interactive book.
November 12, 2025
Just as a piano has 52 keys, this book has 52 chapters. Beyond the Keys is a non-fiction read that combines personal stories, gorgeous illustrations by contemporary artists and piano solos by the author. Beyond the Keys: Music and Stories of inspiration is a heartfelt collection of thoughts, reflections, and experiences. JeeYoon Kim's passion for music and art come shining through the pages and music. This book bears a unique concept, which is one of the things that drew me to it. That, and my love of piano music. Beyond the Pages is a collection of 52 personal stories, each paired with beautiful illustrations and an audio selection of JeeYoon Kim playing a solo on the piano. It's an experience for the heart, mind, and soul. IN some ways it reminded me of an unconventional memoir, giving us insight into JeeYoon's life, mind, and soul.
"Wherever you are, this book can become a tool to transport you into another space. That is how the title of the book, Beyond the Keys, was born: To me, piano keys have been more than just musical keys; they've been a guide to a life, beyond the tool of creating music. I gaze above the current horizon, entering another spiritual realm in search of hope, with you." ~ JeeYoon Kim
I highly recommend keeping this one on your nightstand, and reading/listening before bed at night. It's a wonderfully calm and uplifting way to transition end your day.
"Wherever you are, this book can become a tool to transport you into another space. That is how the title of the book, Beyond the Keys, was born: To me, piano keys have been more than just musical keys; they've been a guide to a life, beyond the tool of creating music. I gaze above the current horizon, entering another spiritual realm in search of hope, with you." ~ JeeYoon Kim
I highly recommend keeping this one on your nightstand, and reading/listening before bed at night. It's a wonderfully calm and uplifting way to transition end your day.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews