Thom Kang is a second generation Korean-American gospel musician 

born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA.  Thom started his classical piano training 

at the Carnegie Mellon University Music Preparatory Program at five years old, where he regularly received high honors in recitals and competitions. 

At just 12 years old he performed at New York City's Carnegie Hall as a 

World Piano Competition finalist. Thom set his musical studies aside

in 2011 due to severe artistic burnout and mental health challenges. 

He would later graduate from the University of Pittsburgh in 2018 

with a degree in Business Administration.  

In 2019, Thom returned to music for his post-graduate studies at The Afro American Music Institute (AAMI).  He is a proud student of piano powerhouse Howard Alexander III, who ingrained AAMI’s core values and musical teachings into Thom’s foundation of classical training.  Thom joined the AAMI staff in 

2022, teaching private lessons and assisting with the school’s award winning Boys Choir and youth jazz ensemble, The AAMI Jazz Lab. He also plays 

alongside fellow AAMI members James T. Johnson III and Janay Giles 

as a gospel musician at Deliverance Baptist Church.

Thom’s music is dedicated to the co-founders of AAMI Ms. Pamela and 

Dr. James T. Johnson Jr., known fondly as Ms. Pam and Dr. J, who showered Thom with the love and support he needed to rebuild his musicianship 

from the ground up. Through his music, Thom hopes to honor and 

recognize the enduring legacy of Dr. J, Ms. Pam, James, the Johnson 

family, Howie and the community at The Afro American Music 

Institute. He also owes special thanks to his classical piano instructor Luz Manriguez and The CMU Music Preparatory Program.  

Thom is eternally grateful to his producer, manager, and “artistic parent” 

Dr. Gregory McPherson, who poured unwavering faith and commitment 

into Thom’s future as a professional musician.  His debut project is 

dedicated to his parents Ruby and Jim, his siblings Bobby and Jenny, 

and his extended family of Korean immigrants in America.  

“Keep it in the pocket” - Dr J.