Magazine
A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
Jamie Kim
President of Hansori, Korean Parents’ Association in Manhattan
Monica Jung, Moon Taek-Geun, Kim Eun-Hee
Representatives from Fort Lee New York School of Music Arts (NYSMA)
How should we approach our children's music education wisely?
Parents from the Manhattan Korean Parents’ Association ‘Hansori’ gathered for a discussion. They explored the benefits of teaching children musical instruments like piano, violin, flute, and guitar. Although some parents aim to equip their children with basic cultural literacy or emotional development, many focus on building a résumé beneficial for college admissions. This 'Theme Talk' invited parents from ‘Hansori’ and Kim Eun-Hee, an oboe player and expert in music education, to discuss how their children successfully enrolled in prestigious music schools and address the current issues in music education focused solely on college admissions. They exchanged ideas on what constitutes 'wise' music education.
Conducted by Jisoo Kim, Executive Editor
Photos by Baek Eun-Ju, Reporter
Welcome to the parents of college and high school students. Mom & I is a family magazine covering topics from child-rearing to senior interests. We hope to create a comfortable space for you to share your experiences in music education with the next generation of mothers. Please introduce yourselves briefly.
Kim Eun-Hee
I am an oboe player and I run the New York School of Music Arts (NYSMA) in Fort Lee. NYSMA is a music education institution guiding students in musical activities and college preparation with a management expert group. We also publish 'La Musica,' a magazine to promote classical music.
Jamie Kim
I am the president of Hansori. I came to the U.S. in high school, and after marriage, I worked as a high school math teacher until I quit to support my children in high school. Although I'm now a full-time housewife, I do a lot of volunteer work with Hansori and the Roots Education Foundation, keeping me busier than when I had a job (laughs). I first sent my daughter to music school playfully at age four, hoping to discover any talents. She showed interest in the violin.
Monica Jung
I am vice president of the Korean Association in Fort Lee and actively volunteer. My children’s musical education made me realize the importance of prenatal music. I always valued audio quality, and my boys responded quickly, learning piano, cello, guitar, and vocals from a young age. I enrolled them in tap dance to help them adapt socially, which struck a chord with their classical music interests, earning them special attention from their teacher.
Moon Taek-Geun
I studied political science at the University of Pennsylvania and am currently studying women's studies. My engagement in groups like Hansori reflects my interest in female-centered gatherings (laughs). My eldest studied piano and violin and chose the trumpet after listening to an instrument introduction tape from his grandfather, but didn’t pursue music college. My second child is a bassoon major at the Manhattan Prep School of Music.
The Korean parents from ‘Hansori’ in the Manhattan Prep School engaged in a candid dialogue about their children's music education, reflecting on the wise and effective path.
The starting points for children's engagement in music are diverse yet ideal. It’s impressive how you guide them based on their interests. However, dedication is crucial in music practice, requiring parental management. How did your children respond to continued music study?
Moon Taek-Geun
In high school, my child formed a chamber orchestra with friends. They taught and learned from each other and enjoyed club activities positively during adolescence.
Jamie Kim
As mentioned, my child started music playfully at age four but was diligent in practice, thus excelling and receiving individual guidance which boosted her confidence. Practicing diligently led her to win a competition two years later.
Kim Eun-Hee
From a guiding perspective, this is ideal. Even if music starts as play, guidance can lead it to a hobby or a career. Without technical mastery, music education can't proceed. Proper motivation from the mother matched well with the child's nature.
Mom & I
Tailored educational methods and parent-teacher communication are key to understanding a child's nature. Let’s discuss the benefits music education brought to your children.
Jamie Kim
Music practice improves concentration and responsibility when children practice willingly. Personalized attention has led to self-discipline.
Kim Eun-Hee
Practicing music fosters patience, brain development, and concentration. Overcoming challenges leads to accomplishment, responsibility, and contentment.
Moon Taek-Geun
Siblings motivated each other within musical competition. Organizing elementary concerts boosted confidence, responsibility, and musical inspiration. Music enhanced social skills and a mature mindset, uniting strong teacher-student relationships.
Kim Eun-Hee
Successful music education enhances self-esteem and maturity, offering solace and cross-cultural interaction in a practical world.
Monica Jung, whose two sons study at the Manhattan Prep School, emphasizes the significant role of music in her children's growth. Parents should not only encourage performing but explore various music-related careers.
Your insights suggest that music activities themselves are paramount, over mere proficiency. Meeting your children at concerts confirmed that their music education fosters confidence across different fields. How do you view the exam-centric music education culture?
Jamie Kim
While exams motivate intensive practice, music later becomes a comforting and exhilarating hobby.
Kim Eun-Hee
Parents often question if music prep schools benefit college admissions. I clearly state, "Yes, it helps!" Music keeps children focused, diversifying their peer group away from negative influences.
Monica Jung
My sons rarely play video games, exhibiting self-control akin to sports through music.
Moon Taek-Geun
A book, "100 Careers in the Music Business," illustrates music-related career paths. As Ivy Leagues seek diversity, music aids integration and social cohesion, representing a valuable resource for personal development.
Kim Eun-Hee
While collegiate music enhances applications, music solely for admissions is fragile. If music is pursued out of passion rather than for college, it endures beyond admissions, enriching college life.
‘Hansori,’ formed by Korean students and parents of Manhattan Prep Music School, fosters friendship and information exchange among members. For over 20 years, monthly meetings, guest speeches, culinary festivals, concerts, and scholarship programs engage approximately 50 members actively.
Mom & I concludes that personal stories and expertise shared enrich understanding of music education—emphasizing music as an integral aspect of a fulfilling life.
