Statement of Purpose (piano MM) 

 

Describe your educational and professional goals. If you wish, you may indicate specifically the ways in which your study at CIM could contribute to their attainment. (500-750 words) 

 

My passion and aspirations, as revealed by my life experience, cannot be compared to that of anyone else’s. I personally think that there are 

many ways to pursue our dreams. I would rather say that I experience many things, I taught students several years, now I want to learn piano. As everybody knows, there is no right or wrong in music. As written in Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential, I wish to live everyday with integrity and dreaming of success and triumph. Studying abroad would provide me with a chance to not only discuss music with talented musicians but also work together to create harmony in ensemble. Moreover, I wish to learn specific skills that could improve my 

performance, such as different types of touch and pedaling techniques. Additionally, gaining knowledge in theoretical subjects such as history or harmonics would broaden my musical perspective. My ultimate academic purpose is to build my own world of music through abundant 

musical communication with a great mentor. Because I was not dealt a good hand in life in terms of immersing myself in music, I now long 

for the time to simply fall into the world of music completely.  

 

I attended unfamiliar subjects that I was always interested in, including instrumental accompaniment and chamber music classes that required collaboration of the musicians with much eagerness. Furthermore, focusing on improving myself as a soloist in terms of both practice and lesson assured me that I was finally on my way to achieving my dream of becoming a genuine musician. 

 

There are two professors that I dream of receiving lessons from at the Cleveland Institute of Music. First, I cannot forget how deeply the 

renowned Professor Sergei Babayan’s recordings moved me. It is obvious why I wish to attend his classes, as his musicality is simply outstanding. 

Professor HaeSun Paik is another pianist that I have been in love with ever since I was a kid. Her splendid technique and power and her ability to focus on her music so passionately to the last note came mesmerized me when I attended her live concerts. After attending her solo recital for the third time, I wished for a chance to learn from her. In fact, I learned that she had moved from Seoul National University to the Cleveland Institute of Music recently. If I get the chance to study abroad, I want to meet professors who can blow up my musical potential to the maximum; the Cleveland Institute of Music is the perfect place for this. Furthermore, the Institute is one of the music schools that put much weight on 

performance education. Of course, I wish to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music for it will help me improve my level of performance 

greatly. Moreover,  I  am  eager  to participate in a chamber ensemble with talented students from all over the world. Although pianists can be great soloists, they can also have great influence on accompaniment and chamber music. In short, by providing the environment in which the students can immerse themselves in music, the Cleveland Institute of Music is the best conservatory to develop and strengthen my musical 

ability. 

 

A performance is called great when the connection between the audience and the artist’s life experience and values infused into the musical 

vision is formed. In order for my musical vision to improve, I need to study music and piano systematically and internalize what I would be 

learning. I am certain that my ability and my sense of purpose is more than enough to finally begin my studies. If given the chance to learn at master’s level abroad, it would be the most precious opportunity for me to finally spread my wings and show my unique passion for piano. 

 

Statement of Purpose (violin MM) 

 

Submit a written statement outlining your objectives for graduate study, career plans, and the reasons for applying to our program. This is submitted electronically as part of the GIAC/Apply Texas application. It should be 1-3 pages in length. 

 

My first thoughts on becoming a chamber music specialist came during my undergraduate years. I find the concept of individuals playing their own parts coming together to blend and harmonize to form beautiful music appealing. I feel lucky to have found such a beautiful goal to strive for. If I am accepted to Butler School of Music graduate course, I know exactly what I will be after and I will not hesitate to give my best to 

achieve that goal. Of course, a master’s degree is not the end of my dream. I wish to become a musician who is not hindered by limited 

repertoire. Contributing to the world of chamber music with a diverse repertoire is the ultimate objective of my music career. When I first got my hands on a violin, I only had a vague picture of becoming an artist. I had no details on what sort of musician I would become and how to achieve that dream. It was probably because I was too young; music had not entered my world back then. 

 

My first experience with a violin occurred when I was at my cousin’s house. It was the first foreign instrument that I encountered other than the piano. I still cannot forget the moment the violin sound fascinated me. From that time on, I wanted to learn how to play the violin. When my parents bought me a violin for the first time, I literally jumped with joy. When I began to gain speed in training, my violin teacher sent me out to a regional competition. As a kid, winning awards in a small rural city boosted my ego up and I began to enjoy the spotlight. This, in fact, 

hindered growth and maturity in my music. To break this habit, I moved to a bigger city. After many trials and error, I ended up finishing my 

undergraduate course in Seoul, the capital city of Korea. The relocation from the small town to a big city was not easy. Entering into the unknown territory was strenuous to say the least, and many tears were shed. Every time I was met with a hardship, I would remember the day I first heard the sound of violin and captivated me. Then, I would find the strength to continue my journey. The fact that I entered a university and was 

receiving a professional music education put me in high spirits. As fate would have it, the orchestra class and the chamber music class fell in 

the same semester. Taking both classes at the same time made me realize that I had more interest in chamber music than I did in orchestra. 

To be frank, I did not know what I wanted to do in the music world after I entered my undergraduate course. Taking the chamber music class had been a turning point in my perspective, ultimately shaping my dream. Unfortunately, the chamber music class was too short and shallow \for me. This is because in Korea, chamber music is neither studied in depth at the undergraduate level nor exactly the most popular form of musical performance. That is why I truly believe that I can benefit from the graduate education at the Stony Brook, helping my music grow 

and mature.  

 

I am sure that at the graduate level, the Butler School of Music would provide great education to fulfill my craving for an in-depth study. I do not want to end my professional education in music at an undergraduate level. I want to expand my repertoire, which had been focused 

around concertos and solo sonatas. I want to try learning sonatas where violin and piano perform together, as well as quartet pieces and works from a wide variety of structure and time periods. This does not mean that I will neglect orchestra studies; I wish to continue studies in 

orchestra while focusing on chamber music. Education at master’s level will quench my thirst for knowledge and correct my flaws. To become a successful musician, a great wealth of experience is necessary in my opinion. I go out to the world and accumulate experience. Then, I will try to convey my feelings and experience through my music. I want to venture out into the sea instead of staying inside the pond, for I know that after the growing pains comes the growth spurts.  

 

Statement of Purpose (voice MM) 

 

This one-page statement should include your special interests within the discipline and expectations for the program? 

(This can be entered within your online application.) 

 

The reason why I wish to major in voice is because of the faith I have in singing. I believe that sometimes, singing can be stronger than spoken word; music can touch people's hearts by conveying emotions such as joy or sadness. For instance, the choir group that I was in during my 

elementary school years traveled to the States and put on many showcases right after 9.11. I was too young to help the 9.11 victims directly, 

however I was grateful to be given a chance to console their sorrow and despair through singing. This experience became an unforgettable 

memory and also the moment I had decided to become a musician who can spread joy and hope. 

 

Through Boyer’s curriculum, I will be able to achieve my dream of becoming a heart-warming musician. Thanks to the high-standard education 

that I will receive from Boyer, I will be able to refine my understanding of music. A great musician, in my opinion, is not someone who can 

only sing well. Advanced education and specialized studies are prerequisites of a respectful artist. Hence, I am eager to participate in various 

programs offered by your school and expand my knowledge as well as further develop my technicality. In order to culture my musicality, 

I plan on studying not only at master’s standards but also at doctorate’s level. If given the opportunity to attend your university, I would open a new chapter in my life of music. 

 

After I graduate from Boyer School of Music, I plan on approaching those who had not had much access to music and hold concerts for them. In addition, I wish to teach music to people who never had a chance to receive music education. Ultimately, my purpose is to share the joy of music that I feel with others around me. As a member of the missionary choir at school, I participated in performances hosted at small 

churches in rural areas. I still cherish the moment when I saw the faces of the audience lit up, as most of the audience never attended a music concert before.  

 

In line with my dream of spreading happiness through music, I wish to become a mentor to inspire future musicians. Similar to how I first 

began to realize the power of music and dreamed of becoming a musician, I want future singers to set high goals through various experience and study music together. As mentioned before, I will strive to make music much more accessible to those who never had a chance to receive music education.  

 

My personal strengths include the ability to concentrate and absorb what I am taught at a quick pace. Additionally, I am calm by nature and 

value kindness and courtesy in all relationships. At times, I can be anxious and become timid. In music, my advantages include perfect pitch 

and ability to play piano without much difficulty. Thanks to my great sense of pitch, I found sight-reading incredibly easy. Because I could play piano quite well, I never panicked when an accompanist was unavailable unexpectedly; I simply filled the accompanist’s spot myself. Furthermore, I am committed to the music sheet given to me and express myself musically in an effective manner. On the other hand, I am not too confident with my high notes. Moreover, I would often lose my breath when I get nervous. I am working consistently on my shortcomings in order to become more accomplished and I know that these weaknesses will be gone soon. 

 

Statement of Purpose (flute MM) 

 

A brief essay (3 pages maximum) outlining your specific interest in Eastman; How you will add to the Eastman community, your educational goals, musical path to date and intended career path. Upload within the online application. 

 

My parents put much significance on prenatal care; they played music and read books to me because they believed in sharing an empathetic relationship with me even before I was born. When I was barely old enough to take baby steps, they made sure that I was exposed to a wide variety of experience, as they put much significance in free expression. Since I was a curious child with endless questions, I became my mother’s 

toughest homework. Instead of learning the unknown through words safely, my parents led me to my own discoveries and regrets. They 

showed me that life is bittersweet by letting me go through both successes and failures, rather than overprotecting me. 

 

Numerous people believed I was talented in music for I was a gifted, talkative child but I never imagined myself specializing in flute performance 

up through college. My first encounter with the flute came from my mother’s thoughtful consideration for my feelings when my father, who 

was an army officer, passed away when I was only five years old. This was the moment in my childhood, which was filled with singing and 

dancing that decided my future that makes me shine brighter than ever without losing myself. Of all the instruments my mother offered, 

I chose the flute without hesitance. At first, I only picked up the flute as a hobby.  

 

I sincerely believed I had met my fate that promised the world to me when I held the shiny standard size flute in my tiny five-year old hands, 

for the most beautiful scene in my memory was of an angle playing a flute. I had a clear line between what I liked and disliked and flute was 

definitely something I loved. Thus, I practiced long hours like I was addicted, even as a child. In fact, I was overwhelmed by the people who 

were deeply touched after watching me perform at a very young age, extending my arm as far as possible to play the flute well. I found my 

happiness there and then. As if the flute truly was my destiny, it had brought me many opportunities and luck.  

 

At the time, there were no competitions for children in lower grades of elementary school. I won a special award, however, at the Munwha 

Ilbo Contest as an eight-year old and this prize became the stepping-stone in my career. Because of me, the youngest contestant ever to 

win a prize at the Munwha Ilbo Contest, the contest administration created a new category for early elementary school grades from then on. 

Another memorable moment in my early career begins when the audition notice for Kumho Musical Prodigy hosted by the Kumho Asiana 

Culture Foundation came to me in the form of ripped newspaper. I was a rare woodwind winner, selected with great comments as the Kumho Musical Prodigy in an extremely competitive tryout. All seemed surreal. At the age of eight, I had my first solo recital at the Kumho Art Hall, 

been offered the opportunity to perform at the Korea-China diplomatic ties anniversary concert, and received positive feedback. In retrospect, 

I was only a child, who cannot possibly fathom all that was going on. Nevertheless, I was sure of one thing; I experienced bliss whenever 

I performed and the flute became everything.  

 

My goal to touch and give hopes and dreams to those around me through my performance has not changed since childhood. In other words, I want to share my music with the audience. I was given the chance to study abroad when I was young but realistically, it was not possible 

under the circumstances I was in. Hence, I chose to remain in Korea and applied to the best art schools in the country. My career has not 

been all that smooth. I had my slumps and needed time to find myself from time to time. Fortunately, my patience and efforts pulled me 

through the difficult times and let me grow mature. 

 

I graduated from a prestigious art institute Yewon School, Seoul Arts High School, and entered Korea National University of Arts with exceptional 

grades and received scholarships. My growth did not come exclusively from schools; while I was attending Seoul Arts High School; my mentor drove me to the edge with a suffocating teaching style. Rather than exploring the world of music with me, my mentor pushed me until she 

was satisfied with my playing. Under her training, my performance showed no progress and maturity of its own. As a result, I was the first 

choice flutist on the waiting list at Korea National University of Arts but never made it into the prestigious institution. As I waited for the next 

year’s audition, I was desperate and hurt. At the same time, the year I spent preparing changed me; my sound regained its original strength 

and confidence as I pushed myself this time, rather than being pushed around by my mentor. The driving motivation behind my efforts was 

my aspiration to study with music students who had great competence in performance at Korea National University of Arts. I committed 

myself completely to the audition and was rewarded by the acceptance letter telling me I passed the audition with the top score in the entire entering freshman class. 

 

I met my current music mentor Ms. So Young Lee who studied abroad in the US and made fine progress and gained unique musical perspective. I continued putting in consistent effort to my performance and as a result, I passed the audition for Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra that 

belongs to Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Korea. While I was selected as the concertmaster several times, I found the beauty of 

playing together with other musicians in an orchestra. Any difficult performance challenges that I faced served to refine and boost my 

inadequate performance level.  

 

I had never left Korea when I was young but I had attended several music camps in Korea that invited French or American instructors who 

recommended me appropriate repertoire and sat on numerous master classes with foreign professors. Around the time I finished my 

undergraduate courses, I traveled to the US for the first time in my life. I had high expectations for it had been my long time wish to study in 

the States and I felt like I was in the right place whenever I attended master classes with American professors. Unfortunately, my stay was not 

long enough to tour around a wide range of schools but I had the chance to catch a master class at one of the prestige music school in Boston, Massachusetts. I was surprised by the immense degree freedom in the musical analysis. As a student who had never been exposed to music 

culture other than the one in Korea, I was captivated by the new music and felt a greater joy meeting unique individual flutists. An easygoing 

trip to feel the mood of my future environment has now become the driving force in my career. I heard that there are a considerable number of admirable professors and I know that from exceptional mentors come exceptional pupils. I hope to be one of those pupils. Although I may fumble with English a little bit, I will overcome the language barrier and make a turning point in my life to journey out to the wide world and discover the joy of great achievement. 

 

Statement of Purpose (cello MM) 

 

500-Word Applicant Statement - this statement should include your objectives and frank observations of your professional and personal strengths and weaknesses, any significant professional experiences or honors, and any other information you think 

important. 

 

My encounter with cello was only natural, having a mother who studied piano performance in college and is currently a music instructor at a middle school. Unlike schools in the United States, Korean schools do not require their students to learn how to play a musical instrument. 

Since playing cello was completely optional, I had to split my time between following the academic curriculum of the school and playing cello. In fact, there was a time when I took a break from playing cello in order to focus on my academic studies at school. 

 

As time went by, I began to see my strong passion for cello and deeply moving quality of the cello sound. As if by destiny, I decided to 

become a cellist and prepared to attend a high school specialized for arts in my second year of middle school. 

 

I decided to study abroad when I attended Internationale Sommerakademie der Universitat Mozarteum Salzburg in my first year of high school 

in 2005. It was not long after I chose to continue studying cello performance; I had been emulating the Korean students who always worked 

hard, for I had never been to summer camps or contests abroad. After participating in the camp, my attitude towards music had changed. 

Unlike me, who had only made the decision to become a cellist a year ago, the students at the camp were international contestants from all 

over the world. I felt small and embarrassed. At the same time, however, I refused to be left behind. Watching such a wide variety of performance styles and practice strategies from aspiring musicians all over the world, I was determined to study abroad. Furthermore, I wanted to experience the unfamiliar culture that I was never exposed to. Moreover, I wished to collaborate and study among diverse musicians. Hence, I made a 

resolution to work as hard as I could to study in the United States.  

 

I am more than certain that the education provided by College-Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati will fulfill my hunger for knowledge and help me achieve my aspirations.  Although I plan to study cello performance, I wish to attend church music classes and musical 

therapy classes if possible to take full advantage of such great facilities and curriculum. By working with students and professors from various 

fields of music, I wish to enhance and mature my performance.  

 

Professor Jong Jin Hong, who graduated from College-Conservatory of Music at University of Cincinnati, was my mentor who gave me much 

courage and inspired me to study abroad. He told me that studying at CCM has changed his world of music. With his experience from CCM, he has produced numerous professional musicians and pupils who are deeply moved by his teaching and values. If I get the chance to study 

at CCM, I wish to expand my musical experience to become a great mentor like Professor Jong Jin Hong one day and raise great pupils as 

well.  

 

Statement of Purpose (clarinet MM) 

 

Prepare a brief statement of your professional goals, as well as your purpose in applying for your particular program. 

 

I believe in music and its ability to influence people for the better. So, from my perspective, living as a professional musician is a blessed life. 

I am proud of myself as a clarinetist and grateful to my family for giving me their support in order to pursue my career as a musician.  

 

I started taking piano lessons when I was 4 years old. Although my hands were actually too small to take lessons, my grandmother tried her 

best to find a piano teacher who was willing to teach such a small kid like me because when she noticed that I had perfect pitch, she felt that 

I deserved to learn music as soon as possible. My father played an important role in my life as well. He always collected classic music LPs, 

allowing me to become familiar with beautiful classical music throughout my childhood.  

 

When I was 12 years old, I was fascinated by the sound of clarinet while listening to Brahms' clarinet sonata, performed by Karl Leister in Berlin Philharmonic. He gave me a chance to take clarinet lessons from Chang-Su Lee, the principal clarinetist at the Korean Symphony Orchestra. 

Two years later, I was admitted to a pre-college of Korea National University of Arts, eventually becoming a pupil of Dong-Jin Kim, the clarinetist of Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. 

 

During my pre-college experience, I always tried to work harder than other students in an effort not to fall behind because they, for the most part, started playing the clarinet long before me. As a result, I received the grand prize in a wind instrument competition organized by Seoul 

National University.  

 

Afterward, I entered the bachelor of music degree program at Korea National University of Arts with the highest score. There, I tried to expose myself to the broader field of music and be a part of all kinds of experiences which included a focus on contemporary pieces and performing with the WASBE wind ensemble in St. Luis Obispo. Moreover, while actively participating in orchestra, I joined a band called The M.ost which 

consisted of Korea National University of Arts' alumni. We performed music across various genres, such as the tango, original soundtracks, and Korean traditional-classical music crossover. We had success and published several albums, some of which were highly ranked on the crossover music chart in South Korea. It was thrilling for me to be appreciated by audiences within the intimacy of the small concert hall while I was a 

member of The M.ost. Throughout these experiences, it assured me that music has a way of conveying the things people expect to share or 

say out loud with deep meaning. 

 

This idea led me to try and perform for charities when the possibility came about. Eventually, it led me into the field of music therapy, for which I ended up receiving a certificate as a music therapist. However, through it all, I always had a lingering desire for performing classical pieces as a part of orchestra, a desire which I stopped pursuing when I joined The M.ost. Meanwhile, I heard that Cho, Wonjin and Lee, Minna, two 

people who studied with me under prof. Dong-Jin Kim, entered USC and am disciples of prof. Yehuda Gilad. This news made my performing 

aspirations inspired and encouraged to apply to the masters of music program at USC and focus on orchestration. 

 

If given a chance to work on a more developed track of study at Thornton School of Music of University of Southern California, I am sure that I'd become a more mature musician, one who gives people joy all around world.  

 

Statement of Purpose (choral conducting MM)  

 

My music is deeply rooted in church. My musical talent has been developed by being constantly participate in church. Since I was young, I was able to raise my vocal skills by joining a choir and have served as an accompanist for more than 10 years, leading worships. Through these 

opportunities, I learned the joy of music at young age and it became very natural for me to dream about having my future career in music. 

Especially, since I was truly impressed by the power of lyric, at the end of series of concerns about how to emphasize my strength, of being 

able to lead others, I became interested in conducting and that’s how I stepped into the word of conducting. 

 

However, even though I made up my mind to study conducting in depth, I had one difficulty. In reality, it was not easy to get all the lessons 

I needed to be a professional. Thankfully, however, with God’s guide, I was able to meet a teacher who understood my situation and took the first step to become a choir conductor. Even though the teacher could not afford a comfortable life, she gave private lessons at affordable 

prices for children with musical talents, but financial difficulties and that’s how she fully exercised her talent. The fortunate encounter with my 

teacher became a turning point in my life, and gave me a dream of becoming a musician who would never stop trying and support such 

children to bloom their talents. 

 

With her teaching and my consistent efforts, I was able to admit to Korea National University of Arts, the best art school in Korea. While I was attending, I was able to experience a variety of repertoires of different ages, master conducting skills, and had many direct experiences in music. Such academic growth is crucial, but I also believe that experience is an ultimate source of learning. Therefore, I went wherever I could conduct a choir. I had a chance to teach how to conduct for students reside in a rural area, having fewer musical experiences than a city. Also, I have 

conducted a choir at my church since my sophomore year. However, I have worked hard to have more opportunities as a choir conductor to 

reflect my talent and leanings in more diverse repertoires and I have done a lot of interviews. 

 

However, I have not been able to seize these opportunities, regardless of my abilities, simply because I am a young female conductor. My 

colleagues are also suffered with the same issue. I also believed that the undergraduate studying of 4 years is not sufficient enough to be a 

professional musician and that’s another reason for me to apply for a master’s program. But the major issue that I really want to overcome is 

that Korea still has a bias against female conductors. Fortunately, as the number of outstanding female conductors has been increased in Korea, chancing people’s perception, but in reality, I have heard of and directly experienced the negative perception regarding a female conductor. 

I want to become another female conductor who could break down those negative prejudices with deep understanding about music, 

outstanding skills, and superb personality, and that’s why I have decided to apply for this program.  

 

While I was experiencing the aforementioned difficulties, one of my school’s senior offered me to fill in his position, of conductor for the choir at Hankuk University of Foreign Education, since he was going to leave to study abroad. I was able to learn a lot, which I could not learn at 

school. From writing a repertoire suitable for the choir, to preparing for weekly practices and taking a charge for all the performances, I was able to overcome many and develop furthermore, and I felt and realized many while watching and feeling the sincerity and passion of members for music. I enjoyed being able to express my musical ideas while playing a variety of contemporary songs and Korean original songs, and I had a lot of thoughts about the proper attitude and personality for a conductor while engaging with the members. 

 

I was able to develop my musical talents with sincerity, so as the passion for conduction while in college. I also had various experiences, but 

these four years seemed to be sufficient for me to become a professional conductor. When the thoughts such as ‘Would it be proper to 

perform this way for the music of that age?’ or ‘What would be the proper way to express this song musically?’ were brought to the surface, 

I became more eager to study this field in depth to have a confidence in my performance. 

 

The School offers a variety of repertoires of many ages and professional education that I need as a choir conductor, and I and willing to 

accomplish my goal through such education. Also, I am confident that I could accomplish my dream of reaching out to the world by receiving education in English and develop my language skills. 

 

If I am fortunate enough to admit to your school, I can introduce many outstanding original songs of Korea and make many novel attempts 

to reflect my own color. Also, it would be a great honor for me to take part in various ensembles since I highly appreciate the value of 

‘Experience.’ 

 

It would be a great honor for me if I was given with opportunities to participate in ensembles of the School, including Repertory Chorus, 

Recital Chorus, Yale Camerata, and Yale Glee Club since I truly appreciate the value of experience. I truly hope to be with the outstanding choir and faculty of the School to take one step further to be a good conductor.