BME + Harp Performance · Northwestern '30 · Inventor · Educator

Kayleen Cho

Northwestern University dual-degree student pursuing Biomedical Engineering and Harp Performance — with published patents and a passion for music, engineering, and education.

BME @ Northwestern Harp Performance 2× Patent Inventor Piano Instructor Academic Tutor
Kayleen Cho

Kayleen Cho

Northwestern University · Class of 2030

For questions, text 952-688-8212 or email kayleencho2029@u.northwestern.edu
B.S. Biomedical Engineering
McCormick School of Engineering
B.M. Harp Performance
Bienen School of Music · Dual-Degree
2 Patent Applications
AI + music-based health systems
Research & Patents

Biotech & Biomedical Innovation

Two patent applications in AI-driven health systems, plus active engineering research at Northwestern.

Music

Harp & Piano Performance

International competition winner, GTCYS principal harpist, and four-time MMTA piano contest winner.

Education

Tutoring & College Mentorship

AP coursework, ACT prep, college essays, and musical & research portfolio building.

Research, Patents & Experience

Work &
Innovation

From patent-pending AI systems to hands-on engineering projects, here's a snapshot of my academic and professional work.

Education

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Expected June 2030 · Dual-Degree Program
B.S. Biomedical Engineering McCormick School of Engineering
B.M. Harp Performance Bienen School of Music

Patent Applications

Patent · App. No. 63/696,822

Method and System for Detecting and Reducing Driver Cognitive Interference

Filing Date: September 19, 2024

An AI-driven detection system identifying cognitive interference in drivers to enhance road safety. Integrates real-time monitoring with adaptive music-based interventions to regulate driver focus and reduce distraction.

Patent · App. No. 18/653,889

Method and Apparatus for Evaluating and Reducing Neurodevelopmental Disorder Symptoms

Filing Date: May 2, 2024

A technological apparatus assessing and mitigating symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders, integrating music-based therapeutic interventions to support cognitive and behavioral regulation.

Projects

Northwestern University · Jan 2026 – Present

Biotech Research Initiative

Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to identify systemic problems in the biotech industry, formulate technical solutions through rigorous data analysis, and develop a comprehensive paper and market analysis evaluating commercial scalability.

Northwestern University · Jan 2026 – Present

Adaptive Art Tools for Students with Disabilities

Collaborating with project stakeholders and a 4-person team to design custom art tools improving accessibility for children with limited motor function — analyzing user needs and technical constraints for safety and durability in pediatric use.

Experience

Self-Employed · Sep 2021 – Present

Tutor

Providing 1-on-1 academic support in STEM subjects and music, emphasizing analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and study strategies.

Navo Lab · Minneapolis, MN · Dec 2025 – Jan 2026

UGC Social Media Marketing Specialist

Created user-generated content for companies to increase brand engagement and audience reach across social media platforms.

Technical Skills

MATLAB
JavaScript
Microsoft Excel
SharePoint
Google Docs/Sheets
Data Analysis
Social Media / UGC
English · Korean · Spanish

Music Heals the World

Founder, President, and Event Coordinator of a student-run nonprofit using live music performances to promote community healing. Directing 25+ student musicians across healthcare and public settings since September 2021.

LinkedIn
25+
Student
Musicians

Musical Accomplishments

Performance &
Achievements

From international competition stages to principal orchestra chairs — a record of dedication to musical excellence across harp and piano.

Harp

2023

Minnesota Chapter — American Harp Society

Intermediate II Scholarship Winner, recognizing outstanding harp performance and musical achievement.

Scholarship Award
2022

III Concorso Internazionale D'arpa Online

First Prize in Category E — "Crescere Con La Musica" International Online Harp Competition.

1st Prize · International
2025 – Present

Northwestern University Symphonic Band & Chamber Orchestra

Principal Harpist for both the Northwestern Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra, performing at the collegiate level at Bienen School of Music.

Principal Chair · Northwestern
2026

Northwestern Chamber Orchestra — La Rondine

Solo Harpist in Northwestern University's production of Puccini's opera La Rondine, performing the principal harp part in a fully staged opera production.

Solo Harpist · Opera
2022 – 2025

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies — Symphony Orchestra

Principal Harpist of the GTCYS Symphony Orchestra — the ensemble's flagship chair — performing major symphonic works across the Twin Cities, including the 2024 international tour through Southern France and Barcelona.

Principal Chair · 3 Seasons
Summer 2024

Southern France & Barcelona International Tour

Principal Harpist for GTCYS Symphony Orchestra's international performance tour through Southern France and Barcelona, Spain.

International Tour
2021 – 2022

GTCYS Philharmonic Orchestra

Principal Harpist, advancing to the Symphony Orchestra principal chair the following season.

Principal Chair

Piano

2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022

Minnesota Music Teachers Association Piano Contest

Four consecutive years as a contest winner — a statewide competition recognizing exceptional piano performance across all age and skill levels.

4× Winner · Statewide
Book Piano Lessons LinkedIn

Private Piano Instruction

Piano
Lessons

Learn piano from an award-winning performer

With over a decade of performance experience, four MMTA contest wins, and currently pursuing a music degree at Northwestern's Bienen School of Music, I bring technical depth and genuine artistic passion to students of every level.

Lessons are held in-person at a private studio in Chaska, MN. Sessions are 30 minutes or 1 hour — customizable to fit your schedule and goals.

Schedule a Lesson
What I offer
All levels — Beginner through Advanced
Personalized curriculum for each student
Technique, theory & expressive playing
Audition & college music prep
In-person studio · Chaska, MN
30 min ($25) · 60 min ($50)
🎹

Beginner

Note reading, hand position, foundational technique, and simple repertoire. Great for kids and adults starting fresh.

🎵

Intermediate

Scales, sight-reading, classical and contemporary pieces, dynamics, and musical expression.

🏆

Advanced

Advanced repertoire, in-depth interpretation, performance skills, and audition preparation.

📖

Music Theory

Harmony, ear training, composition fundamentals, and AP Music Theory exam preparation.

🎓

College Prep

Audition repertoire, artist statement guidance, and music portfolio building for college applications.

🌟

All Ages Welcome

Young beginners to adult learners — lessons shaped around your schedule, pace, and musical interests.

Pricing

$25
30-Minute Session
Great for younger students or focused work
$50
60-Minute Session
Recommended for deeper learning & repertoire

Rates are flexible and can be discussed based on the student's needs and goals. Contact me for more information.

Start with a free intro session

Your first session is a complimentary 30-minute meeting to discuss your goals, experience, and what you're looking for in lessons — so we can tailor everything to you before committing to a schedule.

Book Your First Session on Calendly

Studio located in Chaska, MN. For questions, text 952-688-8212 or email kayleencho2029@u.northwestern.edu.

Academic Support & College Mentorship

Tutoring &
Mentorship

Academic tutoring from a Northwestern dual-degree student

I've completed 12 AP courses, navigated the college application process into Northwestern's highly competitive dual-degree program, and have been tutoring students since 2021. My support is grounded in real, recent experience.

Whether you need subject help, ACT prep, essay coaching, or portfolio guidance — I offer mentorship that goes beyond surface-level instruction.

Book a Session
Session types & location
1-on-1 AP & core subject tutoring
ACT test preparation (all sections)
Common App & college essay writing
Music portfolio for college applications
Academic & research portfolio building
Zoom · In-home (Chaska, MN) · Library/café
30 min ($30) · 60 min ($60)
$30
30-Minute Session
Focused review, quick questions, check-ins
$60
60-Minute Session
Deep dives, essay drafting, test prep

Rates can be discussed depending on the student's needs. Travel to student's home available depending on distance — travel fees may apply. Sessions also available at libraries or cafés near Chaska, MN.

AP Courses — All 12 personally completed

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics 1
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Macroeconomics
AP English Lang & Comp
AP English Literature
AP US Gov & Politics
AP Human Geography
AP Spanish Language & Culture

Core & General Academics

Algebra I & II
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
English / Writing
Spanish

Specialty Mentorship

ACT Test Preparation

Targeted prep across all four ACT sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — with practice strategy, pacing, and content review built around your weak areas.

Common App & College Essays

Brainstorming, drafting, and refining your personal statement and supplementals. I help you tell your authentic story with clarity and impact — drawing on my own successful application experience.

Music Portfolio for College Applications

From my own journey applying to Northwestern's dual-degree program, I guide student musicians in building compelling performance portfolios, audition materials, and artist statements.

Academic & Research Portfolio

Presenting research projects, science fair work, and academic accomplishments in a polished portfolio that strengthens college applications and scholarship submissions.

Book a Tutoring Session

Available online — pick a subject, specialty service, or reach out to discuss a custom plan.

Schedule on Calendly

For questions, text 952-688-8212 or email kayleencho2029@u.northwestern.edu.