The University of Minnesota School of Music selected Michael Kim, a Canadian piano professor, as its new director, the University announced in a release Monday.

Kim, who will assume his position on July 31, played with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 15 and received his bachelor’s degree in piano performance from the University of Calgary.

He has served as the dean of the Brandon University School of Music in Manitoba, Canada since 2008.

He was chair of the keyboard department at Lawrence University in Wisconsin prior to his position at Brandon University.

“I feel incredibly honored and privileged to be joining the faculty, staff, and students at the School of Music,” Kim said in the release. “I look forward to collaborating with them and building upon the many strengths and linkages that have made the School of Music such an integral and important part of the Twin Cities music community.”

Kim beat out two other candidates for the position after the three pitched their cases to University leadership in February. Kim said in February he would put fundraised dollars toward student scholarships.

The school began looking for a new director last year, following restructuring that resulted in the last director’s contract not being renewed.