“ Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
– Plato
“ Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”
– Plato
Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, April 29 (on zoom)
Sicily International Piano Festival and Competition, Catania, Sicily, January 12-20
Seoul Arts High School, Seoul, Korea, October 31
Dankook University, Seoul, Korea, October 30
Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, October 28
International Piano Festival in Poland, Nałęczowski Ośrodek Kultury, Nałęczów, Poland, July 15–23
Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea, May 13
Capital Area Music Teachers Association, East Lansing, Michigan, March 5
California State University North Ridge, North Ridge, California, October 18
California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, October 16
Busan National University, Busan, Korea, May 30
Jeonju University, Jeonju, Korea, May 23
Mokwon University, Daejeon, Korea, May 23
Daejeon Arts High School, Daejeon, Korea, May 23
Honam Theological University and Seminary, Kwangju, Korea, May 18
Chosun University, Kwangju, Korea, May 18
Sookmyung Womens University, Seoul, Korea, May 17
Chonnam National University, Kwangju, Korea, May 16
Sunchon University, Sunchon, Korea, May 16
Lake Superior Music Teachers Association, Michigan Technology University, Houghton, Michigan, December 30
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, October 18
Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, October 16
Piano Texas International Academy and Festival, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, June 10–16
Baylor University, Waco, Texas, February 18
Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, November 13
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, November 8
Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio, October 29
Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, October 21
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, October 16
Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, September 28
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma, September 14
Absolute Music Performing Arts Center (AMPAC) Piano Festival, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 9
University-College Sedaya International (UCSI), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 8
Silom Performing Arts Center, Bangkok, Thailand, May 19
Yamaha School, Bangkok, Thailand, May 17
Pitta Music School, Chiang Mai, Thailand, May 15
South Carolina State University, Orangeburg, South Carolina, April 27
Northwestern College, Orange City, Iowa, February 25
Morningside College, Sioux City, Iowa, February 24
Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, January 22
California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, California, November 3
Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, October 30
Texas Music Teachers Association, Texas Collegiate Chapters Conference, Arlington Convention Center, Arlington, Texas, June 12
Levine School of Music, Washington, District of Columbia, May 26
West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas, May 25
Louisiana State University at Baton Rouge, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, March 15
Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, March 5
High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Houston, Texas, January 13
McNeese State University, Lake Charles, Louisiana, April 28
Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Texas, March 24
A teacher must know both the subject and the students in order to teach effectively. I set attainable goals for each class I teach and have my students do the required. I push my students along to develop their skills while also building self-confidence. I assure my students that they can succeed and give them the chance to try. I receive plenty of student feedback, and I determine what needs to be fixed. I do not assume that all students can be reached by the same teaching technique. I also don't teach the same classes exactly the same way from year to year. I try to find each student's areas of strength and provide positive feedback as well as constructive advice necessary for the the student's development.
I work with students to improve their knowledge base of music and their skills as a musician. Each student is assigned different pieces according to level, and often I demonstrate the piece at the piano. Demonstration involves being able to explain things clearly at the level of mechanics and intent. I explain stylistic differences, variety of articulations, how to interpret and analyze the piece, and dynamic and timing plans.
As the old proverb goes, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." I am trying to teach students "to fish" in making music. Students learn what to listen for in making music and how to apply their skills to other pieces they will learn in the future. I teach them how to internalize music from the smallest units to the longest phrases, and how to develop an awareness of body movement in technique. I explain and demonstrate sound projection, sound quality, layers of voicing, color creation, articulation, and other techniques. I explain how to interpret and analyze pieces and how to use dynamic and timing plans appropriately. I also give instructions to students how to present themselves professionally in a public stage setting and provide performance opportunities for them to try out.
Music making is not just playing notes. Musicians should disvover and convey the hidden meanings between the music notes. I try to cultivate students' imagination and to fortify characters in music with a variety of emotional levels also. I suggest connections to entitles, such as historical events, personal experiences, stories and scenes from composer's background. I encourage students to develop their own storyline for music that they play.
Students' Comments
"I never would have dreamed that I could learn as much as I have in such a short time. I am going to work to keep my skills up and keep learning. I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to learn under you."
"It was a pleasure being a student in your class. I have learned many valuable things that I plan to take with me when I continue practicing piano on my own. Thank you so much."
"With your guidance, I have tremendously grown as a musician and have developed a true appreciation for the piano."
"Dr. Cho adapted her teaching style to my playing. I really appreciate this effort and ability as a teacher."
"I always enjoy lesson with Dr. Cho, learning techniques with new ways of thinking and understanding. I always enjoy asking Dr. Cho questions (if I have them) about piano playing, the instrument, composers, pianists, and Dr. Cho seems happy to answer and converse. It makes the lesson more whole and makes a great atmosphere for a learning environment."
"My concept and grasp of musical concepts are always expanded and cemented in lessons with Dr. Cho. Through lessons with her, my musical listening skills have transformed and I am better able to critique recordings of myself and also to help others. wonderful!"
"She is good at giving great explanations with attention to detail. Has different examples if previous did not help. Looks at things from different angles to relate to other instrument and playing styles and techniques were helpful."
– From anonymous University-wide student feedback