 "...musicians are constantly seeking to connect and communicate on a deeper level with music, causing us to approach and view anything else in life beyond its mere surface level."—Hyunji Yi.
Hyunji Evonne Yi, began her musical studies on the piano at the age of 6 and began playing the cello at 11. She attended the University of Southern California in 2010 and the following year enrolled at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, where she graduated with a B.M. in String Performance as a Bob Cole Scholar and Distinguished Graduate Honoree under the guidance of Professor Joon Sung Jun. Currently she is a graduate teaching assistant at the BCCM, pursuing a Master of Music in cello performance.
Hyunji has received first place in many competitions, including the Greater Los Angeles Regional ASTA competition, Southwestern Youth Music Festival, Greater Los Angeles Bach Complete Works Competition, and Rotary District Music Competition. She was a recipient of the National School Orchestra Association Orchestra Award in 2008 and was invited to attend the Interlochen Summer Arts Festival on scholarship in 2009. As a member of the Haust Duo in 2014, she advanced to the final round of the Chamber Music Competition (CMC) and in the same year she won the Instrumental Concerto Competition at the BCCM, performing solo with the symphony orchestra in concert. She was the recipient of the Zeisl Scholarship at the SoCal Chamber Music Program at Scripps College in 2016 where she worked closely with the Enso Quartet and Horszowski Trio. She received a full scholarship to attend the Eastman Cello Institute in Summer 2017 where she studied with Alan Harris. Most recently she was the recipient of the Richard E. Baker Scholarship at the Bob Cole Conservatory. Over the last few years she has also performed in masterclasses and worked with Robert Domaine, TaoNi, Johannes Moser, Daniel Rothmuller, Astrid Schween and Alan Harris. She has studied privately with Dorothy Muggeridge, and continues to study with Joon Sung Jun.
Hyunji has enjoyed many orchestral experiences as principal cellist in the SCSBOA All-Southern Honor Orchestra, Orchestra Da Camera at the Colburn School of Arts, the Colburn Chamber Orchestra, the Corelli Ensemble, the Bob Cole Symphony Orchestra, and the Young Artists Symphony Orchestra. She is also a member of Amici Concert Artists (ACA), a non-profit concert management agency seeking to positively impact local and global communities through the performing arts. She is a founding member of the Oceanside String Quartet—one of the most sought-after Orange County-based ensembles. In the fall of 2016, she successfully auditioned into the University String Quartet, the top string ensemble in residence at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music.
She appeared on the Ellen Degeneres Show in 2014, accompanying the band Bastille in their hit song, Flaws. She appears in their music videos Warmth and Good Grief, recorded live at Capitol Records. She can also be heard on Bryan Lanning’s new album, Us, which recently landed a #2 spot in the iTunes Pop Charts in the U.S.
Currently, as a member of the Music Teachers Association of California, she teaches in the South Bay and Orange County areas as a private cello instructor and string coach. She has also taught at Tustin Music Center and Concert Music School, and she adjudicates and coaches at Milliken High School. Her private students have won positions in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, North Torrance Youth Musicians Ensemble (nTyme), Palos Verdes Regional Orchestra, and Asia America Youth Symphony Orchestra. They have passed with honors from Certificate of Merit programs and have been chosen as winners in competitions such as SYMF, Regional Bach Festival and Complete Works Audition.
Do you notice any specific differences between musicians and non-music majors?
Yes, definitely. One of the biggest differences I notice is in our approach to challenges. For example, musicians don’t give up or feel hesitant to start new repertoire because it is difficult. This is because we know, from experience and countless hours of meticulous practice, that completion is imperative and cannot be an issue, but rather a definitive result. If a passage is complex or very difficult, as musicians we will be at it, practicing, until we are successful. This instills in the musician a strong work ethic and allows us to have the tenacity required to build character, which is useful in any difficult situation we may face. Music is such a special art form in that one cannot only see, but also hear and feel. As a result, musicians are constantly seeking to connect and communicate on a deeper level with music, causing us to approach and view anything else in life beyond its mere surface level.
Why did you choose the BCCM for your graduate studies?
I transferred from USC to the BCCM five years ago and I have no regrets! Three people especially have made my musical experience here so worthwhile for me: Professor Joon Sung Jun, Dr. Stosch and Moni Simeonov. Without Dr. Stosch’s initial encouragement and scholarship offer, I wouldn’t even be here! He has continued to believe in my potential and allowed me many opportunities which have made me become more of a leader. Professor Joon Sung Jun, my cello teacher, has never changed from day one. He only expects the highest quality and therefore is very particular and meticulous in his teaching. I especially appreciate his great cello technique. I’ve truly realized that without a solid foundation in cello technique, no matter how musical I am or whatever great idea I have, I would not be able to convey it properly. Professor Jun not only helped me identify this but has taught me that with a good technical foundation, or "palette of colors," I am able to musically convey to the audience what is actually on my mind.
I often tend to be held back by smaller details and technical aspects of the music. However, working with Moni has changed that. He is always reminding me to see the "bigger picture." As a result, I have gained greater perspective and learned to think in bigger contours when communicating through music. I have also learned so much and had so many great opportunities working as his graduate assistant. I couldn’t ask for a better boss (haha)!
What were your earlier musical influences?
My father, who had studied the violin before becoming a computer programmer, always believed in and spoke often to me and my siblings about the importance of music and culture. As a result, when I was growing up I studied traditional Korean fan dance and learned to play the traditional drum, Gugak Janggu. My father also insisted that I and my twin sister and later little brother study the piano, which I did most reluctantly. Ever since I was 6 years old, when I first saw and heard the cello, I wanted to play it. It was one of my life’s greatest milestones when I finally was allowed to play at age 12.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working on music?
Well, music does take up the majority of my time, but in my spare hours I enjoy sketching and drawing, pencil and paper being my favorite medium. If my father was the one that instilled in me my love for music, my mom, who is very artistic and has a background in interior designing, fostered my love for art, design and colors.
What’s next?
I am eagerly waiting to graduate! I can’t wait to take a year off without any impending deadlines! I love being in the school environment where I am motivated to practice and perform. However, there is never enough time to indulge in exploring musical concepts I personally want to improve on. During my time off, I hope to take some time deciding which degree I want to study, with whom I want to study, to find what I want to develop, and more importantly to have the time to delve deep into these musical ideas. I definitely do want one more degree, possibly an arts diploma or DMA. |
