Jane Cho
Associate Director, Career Development

Jane Cho takes in the view of the Thames from the observation deck of the London Eye. (Photo by Howard Rees)

A native of Seoul, Korea, Jane Cho attended Benjamin Cardozo High School in Queens before earning her B.M. in piano from Juilliard and her M.M. (also in piano) from the Manhattan School of Music. She worked as a summer intern in the Career Development Office at M.S.M. before coming to work at Juilliard.

How long have you worked at Juilliard, and what do you remember about your first day? Or what is one of your favorite memories from your years here?
I started working at Juilliard almost right after 9/11 happened. So it’s been about five and a half years. I remember Caryn Doktor, director of human resources, introducing me around the School and thinking how strange yet wonderful to work at my alma mater.

What job at Juilliard would you like to try out for a day and why?
I would like to be in charge of the renovation process! Mostly, I am just curious what exactly is going on with the project. If possible, I would love to contribute my personal taste in designing my new office space on the fourth floor. Plus, I would love to control the time of jack-hammering!

What is the strangest or most memorable job you’ve ever had and what made it so?
I was delivering newspapers at 4 a.m. when I was 11, to earn some money. I was struggling to wake up every morning, but it was a gratifying experience knowing that I was delivering the news.

If out of the blue your boss said to take the day off, what would you do with your free time?
First I would get some sleep, and then go to Central Park and relax. After that, I might stop by at the Met Museum, to check out the new collections. And then I’d treat myself to a nice sushi/sashimi dinner with warm sake.

What was the best vacation you’ve had and what made that trip so special?
Two years ago, I took my mother to Vienna and Salzburg. She loves Mozart, and it was always her dream to go to Austria. We went to museums, concerts, operas, and had meals at wonderful old restaurants. It was my first trip with my mom as a “grown-up,” and during the trip, we really got to know each other better.

What book are you reading right now?
I’m reading Bee Season, by Myla Goldberg, a novel that portrays a family and society through the eyes of a little girl who strives to please her parents by becoming a spelling bee champion.

What is your favorite thing about New York City?
The vitality and convenience. You can find anything and everything at the tip of your fingers.

Have you continued to play the piano?
I teach evenings and weekends. I still occasionally perform, but not solo. I find it way too stressful. Playing chamber music is always fun.

What other pursuits are you passionate about?
I have been strongly inspired to play jazz recently, something I have always wanted to do. I found a great jazz pianist (Toru Dodo) at the Blue Note when I attended a jam session. I asked him if he could teach me to play jazz, and he agreed. I have been taking lessons since February, and I love it. One day, hopefully, I will be able to jam at the Blue Note.

What might people be surprised to know about you?
I had completely shaved my head when I was a student at Juilliard. Everyone thought I was either coming out of the closet or joining a gang! Honestly, I thought I looked pretty hip and cool.