Beyond the Score: The Musical Mind of Marianne Kim

May 15, 2025 9:30:00 AM / by Marianne Kim

With so many talented composers in our catalogs, we want to take time to highlight the creativity, process, and passion of those with new music releasing. Each month of 2025 we will feature a composer who has a new piece coming out soon or who has recently published with us in an installment of "Beyond the Score." Today, we are talking with Marianne Kim.

Composer blogs

What inspired you to begin studying music? 

I began piano lessons at age six and became a church accompanist at nine. Music was always around me—whether through singing in church, accompanyng for many choirs, or simply feeling drawn to the piano bench. A defining moment came when I realized that music was more than just notes on a page. I remember experimenting with chords, captivated by how a single change could completely alter the mood. That curiosity became a lifelong passion, leading me to major in music theory and composition while continuously performing and exploring the piano.

What motivates you musically today?  

I believe my musical talents are a gift, and I always pray to use them for the glory of God. My motivation comes from both the personal joy of creating and the impact music has on others. Whether I’m composing, arranging hymns for publication, or playing for services, I see music as a bridge that connects the congregation to God across generations and experiences. Knowing that something I write or perform can bring comfort, inspiration, or even just a moment of peace is what keeps me going.

What do you draw on for inspiration as you begin a new composition?  

I find inspiration in a mix of faith, personal experiences, and the musicians I’m writing for. If I’m arranging a hymn, I always start with the text—what emotions and message need to come through? Sometimes, I sit at the piano and improvise until something clicks. Other times, I step away completely—taking a walk, soaked in a hot tub, or just sitting in quiet reflection helps fresh ideas take shape. I also think about how the music will feel in a worship setting, making sure it’s meaningful for both the performers and the congregation.

What is your favorite piece of music and why? 

My favorite piece of music is Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. It has everything I love—deep emotion, gorgeous melodies, and rich harmonies that feel like storytelling. From the mysterious opening chords to the dreamy second movement and the exhilarating finale, it never gets old. Every time I listen to it, I notice something new—a hidden countermelody, a different way to shape a phrase. It’s the kind of music that stays with you long after the last note fades.

What draws you to write music for the church, and how do you approach text and music for ensembles that are mostly music-loving amateurs? 

Church music has always been more than just performance—it’s an act of worship. Writing for the church allows me to create something both meaningful and musically fulfilling. When arranging, I love finding ways to keep traditional hymns fresh with contemporary harmonies and rhythms while ensuring they remain worshipful and prayerful.

For years, church musicians would ask if I had sheet music for my hymn arrangements, but since I mostly improvised, I didn’t have anything written down. That’s what inspired me to start notating and publishing my arrangements—so more musicians could use them in their own services. It’s always encouraging to hear feedback from other church pianists, and it motivates me to keep writing.

Through this process, I’ve learned that simplicity, when done well, can be just as powerful as complexity. My goal is always to honor the text while making the music both engaging and expressive for performers and the congregation alike.

What is a favorite hobby or interest outside of music? 

While music takes up most of my time, I love traveling and swimming at the gym, especially in the hot tub—it’s the perfect way to reset and recharge. Having something outside of music helps keep things balanced and brings fresh inspiration. Funny enough, some of my best ideas come to me when I’m relaxing in the hot tub, away from the keyboard for a while!

We are grateful for Marianne's work and the impact it has on the ministry we serve. To learn more about Marianne and her work, check out her website at mariannekimmusic.com and explore her releases through Augsburg Fortress here, and her videos of them below.

 

Topics: Composing and arranging, interview, music, Composer, Organ, Piano

Marianne Kim

Written by Marianne Kim

Marianne Kim, a versatile musician based in Chicago, is renowned for her dynamic performances and compositions that span a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, Broadway, R&B, gospel, and both traditional and contemporary church music. As a soloist and collaborative artist, Marianne takes pleasure in delivering impressive piano and organ recitals, engaging in chamber music, and exploring the world of jazz. Notably, she served as both a classical pianist and rhythm section keyboardist for the Lakeside Singers under the direction of Robert Bowker from 2005 to 2022 and is currently a faculty of Northern Illinois University and North Park University, and a principal organist for Christ Church of Oak Brook, IL. A prolific composer, Marianne has published over 400 titles through esteemed publishing houses such as Lorenz Publishing, Hope Publishing, Augsburg Fortress, Shawnee Press/Hal Leonard, Concordia Publishing, GIA Publications, Yesol Press, and J&A Music.

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