At the age of 12, Minjoo Kim made up her mind to spend her life playing the cello when she watched the video of Jacqueline du Pré's Elgar Concerto online. Though a late learner, after years of study in South Korea, she was admitted to New England Conservatory in the United States. She was a student of Natasha Brofsky who is also on faculty at Juilliard. After her undergraduate studies, Minjoo decided to apply for the Tianjin Juilliard orchestral studies program and continue her studies with cello teachers Yeonjin Kim and Nicholas Tzavaras.
When did you decide to become a professional musician?
I started to learn the cello when I was 12. That video of Jacqueline du Pré playing Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto in E Minor was life changing. Although I didn't know much about the cello then, I was totally obsessed with her performance. The black and white images as well as every note in the video resonated with me strongly. I began to seriously consider associating my future with music and saw the cello as my lifelong companion! At times, music speaks more eloquently than language. I hope that I can express myself through music, confidently and passionately.
What are some of the key takeaway lessons for you over the years?
My teachers in South Korea taught me to be persistent and diligent, to place practice as a top priority. Even today, I still believe that one must be devoted and enterprising. In the United States, I learned about the diversity in music expression and perspectives, creative ideas, effective collaborative skills, and the importance of a positive attitude that one should have during playing. After studying in South Korea and the United States, I set my own goals: to be devoted to music, to be passionate, and to enjoy playing. At Tianjin Juilliard, I feel that I’ll be getting the best combination of Eastern and Western music education.
What are your hopes and dreams for your studies at Tianjin Juilliard?
Through this orchestral studies program, I hope to be familiar with the orchestral environment and hone my playing skills, gaining more experience through performances. I am so excited to be studying with Ms. Yeonjin Kim and greatly admire her unique insights into music and her passion. The abundant performance opportunities provided by Tianjin Juilliard are also very appealing. I want to expand my musical horizon and accumulate more musical knowledge. I want my studies in Tianjin to help me prepare to play in a professional orchestra after graduation. Also thrilled that Tianjin is close to South Korea and I can focus on learning without being too far from home!