To present a fuller picture of myself as a church musician, I believe some
background on my faith and my discovery of the organ is relevant here. I am
originally from Seoul, South Korea. My great-grandfather was among the first
priests of the Anglican Church of Korea, and even today, many of my family
members continue to serve the church as clergy. As a child, I attended the
Anglican Church every week, where I encountered for the first time the
striking timbre of the Harrison & Harrison pipe organ of England. At that time,
there were not many pipe organs in Korea, and I was privileged to have
grown up with the sound of this rare instrument, which I always found so
expressive and fitting for worship. For me, pursuing the organ has been a way
to maintain my family’s tradition of connection and service to the church,
albeit in a new, non-clerical incarnation.
I began studying piano at the age of four. Later, I went on to major in organ
studies at the church music department of Yonsei University, where I earned
my Bachelor of Music in Organ Performance and graduated with the highest
distinction and honor. Afterward, I obtained my Master’s degree in Music
History at Yonsei University.
In 2008, I came to the United States to continue my studies with Dr. Judith
Hancock at the University of Texas at Austin, where I earned a second
Master’s degree in Organ Performance. I also studied improvisation with Dr.
Gerre Hancock, choral conducting with Dr. Suzanne Pence there. In 2013, I
earned my Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance from the University of
Texas at Austin and was awarded the Outstanding Doctor of Musical Arts
Recital Prize for excellence in organ playing. At UT-Austin, I was a recipient of
the Hugh McAmis Memorial Scholarship and Butler Excellence Scholarship.
I won several organ competitions including the first prize in the William C. Hall
Pipe Organ Competition. In 2017, I was featured as one of three organists at
the Discovery Series of the Oregon Bach Festival. In 2018, I performed
Maurice Duruflé’s “Requiem, Op.9” with the Ars Longa Ensemble which is a
professional choir based in Austin. In 2017-2018, I oversaw the tonal design
and installation of the new 47 ranks Peragallo Pipe Organ (Opus 751) at A&M
United Methodist Church. Also, my recognition was on radio waves where my
playing was featured on American Public Media’s “Pipedreams.”
I have served as a church musician since 2000. I worked at Genesis
Presbyterian Church (Austin, TX), Northaven United Methodist Church (Dallas,
TX), A&M United Methodist Church (College Station, TX).
In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking. When I bake cookies, pies, and
muffins, they create a warm and comfortable scent that makes me feel snug.
My version of an ideal night involves some classical music and a good book.
You can also find me looking for my next great traveling adventure or visiting
botanical gardens. I love the flowers. When I see the beauty of God’s
creatures, I feel joyous. Another hobby is collecting antique and vintage
plates and dishware.
My favorite verse comes from Psalm 1:3 “And he shall be like a tree planted
by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also
shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
I pray that God uses me as his instrument. I am so blessed to be a part of
First Lutheran Church of Palo Alto.
