How old were you when you started taking music lessons and what was your first instrument?I was five years old when I started learning to play the piano. My parents allowed me to play because my older sister and brother were already learning it
Who/what inspired you to become a musician and music teacher? I had taking private piano lessons during middle school, and while I enjoyed playing, I wasn't certain if I would pursue it further. However, everything changed when I attended an arts high school. I discovered my passion for music by sharing musical ideas with friends, listening to each other's performances, and offering mutual encouragement. This experience during high school motivated me to continue learning and ultimately inspired me to become a pianist.
Who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career? All my teachers! Fortunately, I had studied the great pianists. Their musical insights have greatly benefited me, inspiring my own music with their unique musical styles. Moreover, their feedback and comments have been consistently invaluable in shaping my development as a musician.
Tell us about your musical and teaching background. I started playing the piano when I was five years old. After finishing my undergraduate studies at Sookmyung Women's University in South Korea, I came to the United States for my master's degree. I later earned my doctoral degree from the University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music. In between, I also pursued a Performance diploma at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. I've had some success in music competitions like the American Protégé International Music Talent Competition, the International Music Competition Premio Città di Padova, and the US Virtuoso International Competition. As a teacher, I've worked with students who have won various competitions while serving as a teaching fellow at SMU's preparatory department. I've also taught class piano and given private lessons as a graduate assistant at CCM. After completing my formal education, I taught group classes at University of Cincinnati's Communiversity program. During several summers, I taught at Belvoir Terrace. Until I moved to San Jose, I had my own music studio in Cincinnati.
Do you have important ideas and concepts to impart to aspiring musicians? While it may seem straightforward, practice is indeed crucial for honing your musical abilities. Establishing a consistent practice routine, dedicating a specific time each day, can yield significant improvements over time. It's through this habitual practice that you'll notice tangible progress in your musical skills. So, embrace the discipline of regular practice, and you'll be amazed at how it can transform your abilities and musicianship.
What do you love most about teaching? What I love most about teaching is the happiness I see in my students when they enjoy making music. It's fulfilling to watch them grow and get excited about it. Teaching lets me share the gift of music, and seeing how it positively affects their lives makes me love teaching even more.
Do you have a practice tip you want to share with our students? Establish a consistent practice routine, making it a regular habit. Dedicate specific times each day for practice. Furthermore, pay close attention to your teacher's feedback and markings. Often, they provide valuable guidance on areas that need improvement. Embracing this feedback and making necessary adjustments can significantly enhance your musical skills and overall performance.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not teaching, practicing, or performing? I thoroughly enjoy traveling, especially exploring the wonders of nature!