In this blog post, I’ll summarize my academic experiences and extracurricular activities at an arts high school, examples of consideration and cooperation, and the reasons why I chose Anyang University and a major in vocal music, along with my career plans.
Academic Experience and Reflections
The three years I spent in the music department at an arts high school were a time when I was able to turn my vague dreams into concrete goals. I entered with the dream of becoming a singer, but I quickly realized that, given my major was music, there was a great deal to learn. Since my entrance exam scores and academic achievements weren’t outstanding, I devoted more time and effort than my peers to my music studies.
The first areas I focused on were music history and music theory. I believed that a solid foundation in theory was essential for strong practical skills, so I systematically built up my foundational knowledge. Recognizing that a lack of fundamentals would limit my practical performance, I strengthened my basics by acquiring a wide range of theoretical knowledge.
While studying, I became deeply immersed in Irish traditional music, and my interest in dance music and ballads grew. As I was introduced to various dance tunes—such as jigs, double jigs, reels, hornpipes, slip jigs, polkas, mazurkas, and waltzes—I would listen to and analyze related recordings after school to further my learning. I also made separate notes on traditional instruments like the wooden flute, Julian pipes, Irish harp, and accordion, committing them to memory.
When it came to ballads, I enjoyed listening to songs like “Danny Boy,” and as I explored the musical journey that began with Irish music and extended to influences from American folk and rock, my love for music as a whole deepened. Rather than serving as direct training to immediately improve my vocal technique, this learning experience laid the foundation for nurturing my curiosity and passion for music.
I also cultivated my sensitivity through original films and musicals. For example, by watching films about young Irish men and observing how the music connected with the characters’ emotions, I broadened my expressive range. In sight-singing and aural training classes, I focused on developing accurate pitch, a sense of rhythm, sight-reading ability, and listening skills through repeated practice of singing from sheet music and transcribing what I heard.
Through choir and ensemble classes, I developed vocal projection and breathing techniques alongside the ability to analyze musical pieces, and I actively participated in performance workshops and major-specific practical courses. My efforts to strike a balance between theory and practice were instrumental in laying a solid foundation for my vocal skills.
Major Campus Activities and Reflections
On campus, I gained practical experience primarily through playwriting and stage production. Initially, I improved my skills by learning singing, acting, and music editing and arrangement through musical theater assignments, and based on this experience, I formed a musical theater troupe with friends. At the time, the clubs I belonged to included a vocal practice group and a playwriting group; I was primarily active in the playwriting group.
Our group consisted of members with a strong creative drive and a rich sensibility for self-expression, so we named the club “The Creative Ones.” Through the process of creating a single performance while simultaneously training in acting, dance, and vocals, we learned teamwork and a sense of responsibility. At first, we adapted existing plays to produce short musicals, and for our very first production, we took on the challenge of adapting “Hamlet” into a musical format.
Acting was more challenging than I had expected. Facial expressions, hand and foot movements, and stage blocking had to be learned through practice rather than from books, and we gradually became more comfortable on stage by frequently asking questions and seeking advice from our school’s drama teacher. I’ll never forget the nervousness and sense of accomplishment I felt when we performed our first show at the club’s presentation after practicing for over a month and memorizing the script.
Stage direction required just as much meticulous preparation as the rehearsals. Every element—set design, costumes, makeup, lighting, and sound—had to work in harmony for the performance to flow naturally. As a founding member of the club, I took on the role of stage director and was responsible for the musical timing, which helped us bring the performance to a successful conclusion; that experience gave me a great sense of pride.
After ‘Hamlet’, my creative drive grew, and I took on the challenge of writing my own play. I conceived a piece titled ‘Taming the Troublemaker’, a reimagining of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ with a slight twist on Shakespeare’s original. Although the initial idea came from one person, the actual creative process involved many people contributing their own ideas, resulting in a collaborative work.
After numerous revisions and refinements, the script we created—completed in six months—became more than just a rehearsal guide; it evolved into a cherished creative work. By designing the stage and directing the production myself, I experienced not only the joy of creation but also the importance of collaboration and the entire process from planning to execution.
Examples of Consideration, Sharing, and Cooperation, and My Reflections
During my sophomore year, I participated in a charity concert for North Korean defectors, where I experienced firsthand the values of consideration and sharing. We recruited participants for each program—including a musical, an orchestra performance, and a vocal recital—and about 50 students came together to prepare for the volunteer event. We took particular care to select content that the audience would find easy to understand and enjoyable.
The musical team prepared a production centered on themes related to reunification, and I participated in their planning meetings to discuss the performance’s structure and content. Given the large scale of the production, a significant budget was required for stage facilities, costumes, production, and musical arrangements, so we took on the task of raising funds to cover these costs.
To raise funds, we held a fundraising party in the school auditorium and invited school officials, teachers, students, and parents to explain the purpose and necessity of the performance. We conveyed the significance of the performance by showcasing excerpts from the musical and vocal performances, and we sincerely communicated the event’s purpose by introducing the lives of North Korean defectors. Through this process of promotion and persuasion, I learned how to gain public understanding and developed a sense of responsibility.
With the funds raised, we were able to secure a stage and facilities far better than expected, and the performance ultimately concluded successfully. Through this experience, I gained a deep understanding of the power of collaboration, the importance of thoughtful planning, and the fact that art can be a source of comfort to others.
Efforts and Preparation Related to Motivation for Application and Career Plans
I chose the Vocal Music Department at Anyang University because of my interest in music that blends musical theater and vocal performance, as well as my career goals. Since childhood, I have frequently attended musicals, operas, and orchestral performances, and thanks to the influence of my music-loving parents, I naturally became familiar with the performing arts. In particular, my father—who teaches music and directs musicals—inspired my interest in the stage and creative work.
While in high school, I created my own musicals and gained stage experience, receiving positive feedback on my vocals from friends and even being encouraged to take classical vocal lessons. Based on these experiences, I became convinced that I wanted to study more deeply in the Department of Vocal Music and develop a vocal style that incorporates musical theater elements.
My future goal is to become a singer who explores fusion genres such as popera. Popera is a genre that combines opera and pop, and I am drawn to the idea of blending these two styles to create music that resonates with the public. In college, I plan to steadily build my career by accumulating theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and performance experience. Afterward, I aim to connect with the public through album projects that showcase my unique musical style.
I believe that to produce albums and succeed as a singer, one must possess technical skill, planning ability, and musicality that makes the music marketable. Since awards and performance experience will be helpful in this process, I aim to hone my skills through my studies and activities in college, ultimately growing into a popera singer who can connect with the public.
