Musical Autobiography

Music has always been essential to our family’s history and Korean culture. My mother sings opera, plays the organ, the piano, and a Korean string instrument, sanjo gayageum. My father grew up with countryside folk music. He plays the guitar and sings as well. My uncle and grandma also sang, but of course, western music. Because they grew up from a wealthy family, opera was definitely important.

My mother always turned on music when I was in her womb. When I was two years old, I stood in front of the television while the Seoul National Symphony Orchestra played the complete Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. My mother was astonished to see that I recognized the music. She had played all Four Seasons multiple times while I was in her womb. She also sang hymns when I cried in the shower as a baby. I would then stop crying and start laughing.

When I moved to America, I attended Korean School where I learned Korean folk dances and songs. I have studied fan dance/ Korean folk dance for 4 years. When I was in middle school, I taught for two years. Korean folk dance was my passion and it is till this day. I grew up with many Asian music influences.

By the end of middle school, I became deeply involved at my church. The youth group members asked me to join their praise band and so I did. I joined a Christian band for three years. I harmonized and sang many modern Australian gospels as well as American gospels. The Australian Hillsongs became one of my favorite bands.
I was also in the orchestra in school. I played the violin since 4th grade and love being in an orchestra. I think it’s strange that I dread being in a chorus but I love being in an orchestra. My orchestra teacher played the viola d’amore and was very interested in diverse cultures. We had a very famous tango dancers come and perform with our orchestra. We learned a lot that year about Spain culture and their tango music. The following year, we incorporated the Beatles and electric guitars into our music such as Eleanor Rigby. We also performed with the Scythian Celtic Band. We played Mountain Springs, folk music by Barrage, at the Carnegie Hall three years ago and thus they came to play with us a year later. It was awesome!

I think I grew up very fortunate. In my elementary school, I was exposed to different culture music. We were always watching documentaries as well as show and tell from native kids. The city was filled with many different cultures. My favorites were the Navajo Indian music. These have definitely broadened my taste in music as well as appreciation for all kinds.


Here's a little something interesting that I found on youtube today for fun..
I love it when classical artists use there brilliant technique and incorporate it to cultural music..