Juno Cha

Juno Cha graduated from the Korea National University of Arts in Seoul, a prestigious institution renowned for producing world-class musicians, including pianists Yeol Eum Son and Yekwon Sunwoo, where he majored in instrumental music with a focus on percussion. He later earned a master’s degree in Jazz Studies (Drums Performance) under the guidance of the legendary Ed Soph at the University of North Texas.

Upon returning to Korea, he joined the Department of Applied Music at Howon University—one of the nation’s leading contemporary music institutions, known for producing K-pop stars such as BTOB, Urban Zakapa, and Baek A Yeon. From 2013 to 2024, he served as a tenured professor and spent five years as the department chair, playing a pivotal role in advancing contemporary music education in Korea. Many of his former students have since become prominent figures in the global K-pop scene, touring internationally and performing with top artists.

Between 2017 and 2021, Juno served as a consultant and judge for the Seoul Drum Festival, organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. In recognition of his contributions, he received a Seoul Mayor’s Commendation. During his tenure as a consultant, the festival showcased world-renowned drummers such as Dave Weckl, Aaron Spears, Chris Coleman, Benny Greb, and Luke Holland.

As a versatile performer, Juno has effortlessly navigated a wide array of genres, including pop, rock, fusion, jazz, orchestral music, big band, musical theater, Latin, and CCM. His extensive performance and recording credits feature appearances at prominent festivals such as the Denton Arts Jazz Festival, Addison Jazz Festival, Tokyo Sumida Jazz Festival, and Jarasum International Jazz Festival. While at UNT, he performed with the Two O’Clock Lab Band, as well as with ensembles like the Jazz Singers, Afro-Cuban, U-Tube, Zebras, and L5, thereby gaining a wealth of experience and honing his expertise across diverse musical styles.

With more than a decade of teaching and performing experience, Juno Cha deeply believes in the transformative power of music. He understands the joy and fulfillment that drumming brings and is committed to sharing that with his students. To him, music is a universal language of expression that inspires creativity and offers endless possibilities.

If you’re passionate about music and eager to explore K-pop or other genres in a fun, engaging way, there’s no better time to begin your musical journey!

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