Education
- D.M., Indiana University, 2015
- M.M., Seoul National University, 2010
- B.M., Seoul National University, 2007
- B.S., Seoul National University, 2005
Texu Kim (b.1980) is professor of music in composition at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
He is “one of the most active and visible composers of his generation” (San Francisco Classical Voice), writing music that transforms unconventional sources, from everyday encounters to overlooked human stories, into sophisticated, culturally grounded works infused with clarity, wit, and nuance.
As a Korean American, Kim explores the localization of imported traditions, incorporating cross-cultural elements that have drawn the interest of orchestras and conductors worldwide. Characterized by “exuberant, colorful washes of sound” (San Diego Story), his music is at times “explosively virtuosic” (Wall Street Journal) yet consistently uplifting and rewarding for both listeners and performers.
Kim’s work has been performed by the New York Philharmonic, LA Phil, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, San Diego Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, New York Youth Symphony, Philharmonia Orchestra, National Orchestra of Korea, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble Modern, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Alarm Will Sound, Sejong Soloists, New York Classical Players, Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, C4: Choral Composer/Conductor Collective, Cardinal Singers, NOTUS, Red Clay Saxophone Quartet, Verona Quartet, and others.
A recipient of the 2026 American Academy of Arts and Letters’ Arts and Letters Award in Music—one of four composers recognized this cycle for having “arrived at their own voice”—Kim has received awards and honors from the Fromm Foundation, Ilshin Foundation, Civitella Ranieri Foundation, Copland House, and SCI/ASCAP as well as the Barlow Prize and the Isang Yun International Composition Prize.
Kim previously taught at San Diego State University and Syracuse University. He has also served as artist-of-the-year with the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra and composer-in-residence with the Korean National Symphony Orchestra, where he launched the Composers’ Atelier program to educate and commission emerging composers. A Jacobs School alumnus, his mentors include Unsuk Chin, Sangjick Jun, David Dzubay, Claude Baker, and Sven-David Sandström.
He is represented by Summers Artist Services and published by Bill Holab Music.