À¦°óSMÉçÇø

How has studying at the Schulich School of Music shaped your musical growth, and what opportunities have had the most significant impact on your development as a musician?

The fellow students that I have met at Schulich are incredibly inspiring. To play for each other in the practice rooms and hear them perform in recitals and ensemble concerts teaches me so much about how to approach my own instrument. I’m very grateful to have found like-minded musicians at À¦°óSMÉçÇø and we can help each other make the music we want to make. I also joined a string quartet at the school which has taught me so much and given me numerous opportunities to travel and perform. It has been one of the most formative experiences of recent years. Playing in the À¦°óSMÉçÇø chamber music competition pushed myself and our group to refine our skills to a new level, allowing us to pursue a number of programs and competitions outside of À¦°óSMÉçÇø and work with members of some truly amazing professional quartets. André Roy, who has been my viola teacher and quartet coach, has given me so much guidance through chamber music coachings and lessons. With him, I’ve developed my technique so that I can both bring my music to life and find success in the music world.

How have you engaged with the Schulich School of Music community throughout your studies?

It’s wonderful to have amazing musicians all around you in the practice rooms where we can all support each other in various ways. Playing in the quartet has allowed me to engage with the school in masterclasses and competitions as well as represent Schulich in concerts and festivals in Montreal and beyond. The professors here give us so much of their time and energy, whether it’s in coachings and lessons, or in the seminars and large ensemble rehearsals. Since I’ve been studying here, I’ve found that the people at this school are just as eager to work with me as I am to work with them.

How have you engaged with the Schulich School of Music community throughout your studies?

I’ve participated in many premieres of works by À¦°óSMÉçÇø student composers. I’ve also engaged with the conducting community, playing in the Beethoven Orchestra and volunteering for student conductor concerts.

Where do you call home, and how has your background influenced your musical journey?

I grew up in Ottawa. My brother and sister having played in the Ottawa Youth Orcgestra, I developed my love of orchestral music very young and couldn’t wait to be up there myself. I also grew up competing in the Ottawa Kiwanis Festival, which prepared me for the bigger stage.

Where do you call home, and how has your background influenced your musical journey?

I used to call Seoul home, a vibrant metropolitan city rich in music and art. I have vivid memories of attending concerts and operas with my aunt, and I’ll never forget the first time I saw The Magic Flute by Mozart when I was about 8 years old. Those cultural experiences played a huge role in shaping who I am today. Now, I consider Montreal my second home. It offers similar experiences, with its incredible concerts, museums, and a thriving artistic community. I’m constantly inspired by the talented musicians around me, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such a dynamic creative atmosphere.

How has studying at the Schulich School of Music shaped your musical growth, and what opportunities have had the most significant impact on your development as a musician?

Studying at the Schulich School of Music has truly given me a place where I can be myself and express who I am without feeling judged. The teachers here are incredible—they understand both music and art on a deep level, and having them around has really strengthened my belief in what I do as a musician and an artist.

Especially studying with my teacher, Jinjoo Cho, has been a life-changing experience. She hasn’t just helped me improve my violin playing; she’s completely transformed the way I approach practice and performance. She’s taught me to find joy and beauty in the learning process, especially when facing my weaknesses and overcoming them. Her belief in me as an artist has given me the courage to challenge myself, even when I fail.

Over the years, the opportunities I’ve had at Schulich have been incredible. My experiences in chamber music, as well as concerto competitions and Golden Violin Competition, have been truly special, and I’m forever grateful for them.

I’ve learned so much about how essential art is in the world and the impact music can have on society. Honestly, my love for music has only grown stronger since being here, and I’m deeply thankful to the school for giving me the space to become who I am today.

Concerning opportunities, I've met some of my musical heros in masterclasses, played music in places I never thought I would go in my life and overall, really opened my mind to the musical world around us!

How have you engaged with the Schulich School of Music community throughout your studies?

I mostly engaged with the Schulich community throught small and large ensemble. I tried to play in a variety of ensembles, such as string quartets, piano trio, MGSO, baroque orchestra or CME to meet people and discover different visions of making music. Another fun part of the community was attending or playing in eachothers recitals, or simply hanging out late at night in the practice rooms, playing excerpts to each other.

Where do you call home, and how has your background influenced your musical journey?

Chicoutimi is my home and is where I started to learn music with my parents, before entering the Conservatoire.