A Journey of Music: The Impact of Korean Violinist Lee Mi-Kyung in Germany
Teaching the music of Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms in Germany is akin to teaching Arirang or Pansori in Korea. These are musical forms that Germans grow up with, cherishing them as a vital part of their cultural heritage. Thus, becoming a professor at a prestigious German music academy signifies far more than merely acquiring a prestigious title; it represents a profound acknowledgment of one’s exceptional musical ability, deep insights into compositions, analytical skills, and outstanding leadership.
The story of Lee Mi-Kyung, a Korean musician who has achieved this prestigious role, is particularly remarkable. At 66 years old, she became the first Asian violinist to hold the position of a full professor and later dean at the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, after serving as a visiting professor at the renowned Berlin University of the Arts. Recently, she returned to Korea after her retirement from Munich and shared her experiences in an interview. It has been exactly 50 years since she embarked on her journey to Switzerland to study music at the young age of sixteen in 1975.
"I chose to return to Korea, turning down an extension at Munich University and other offers from overseas music schools, because I wanted to experience life in my own country properly at least once," she expressed.
The Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, where she taught for 19 years starting in 2004, is consistently ranked among the top music schools in Europe. It is renowned for producing notable figures such as conductor Christoph von Dohnányi, cellist Julius Berger, and baritone Christian Gerhaher. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first Asian to be appointed dean, a position she held for five years.
"The most important lesson at Munich University is nurturing ‘one’s unique voice and thoughts.’ In art, having no individuality is equivalent to having nothing at all," she emphasized.
Having spent over 30 years at the forefront of European classical music education, Lee Mi-Kyung’s journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the seamless blend of cultural appreciation and musical excellence. Her commitment to fostering individuality and creativity within her students highlights the transformative power of music education across borders. As she embarks on this new chapter in Korea, her legacy continues to resonate, bridging the rich musical traditions of her homeland with the classical legacies of Europe.
The story of Lee Mi-Kyung, a Korean musician who has achieved this prestigious role, is particularly remarkable. At 66 years old, she became the first Asian violinist to hold the position of a full professor and later dean at the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, after serving as a visiting professor at the renowned Berlin University of the Arts. Recently, she returned to Korea after her retirement from Munich and shared her experiences in an interview. It has been exactly 50 years since she embarked on her journey to Switzerland to study music at the young age of sixteen in 1975.
"I chose to return to Korea, turning down an extension at Munich University and other offers from overseas music schools, because I wanted to experience life in my own country properly at least once," she expressed.
The Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, where she taught for 19 years starting in 2004, is consistently ranked among the top music schools in Europe. It is renowned for producing notable figures such as conductor Christoph von Dohnányi, cellist Julius Berger, and baritone Christian Gerhaher. In 2020, she made history by becoming the first Asian to be appointed dean, a position she held for five years.
"The most important lesson at Munich University is nurturing ‘one’s unique voice and thoughts.’ In art, having no individuality is equivalent to having nothing at all," she emphasized.
Having spent over 30 years at the forefront of European classical music education, Lee Mi-Kyung’s journey serves as an inspiration, showcasing the seamless blend of cultural appreciation and musical excellence. Her commitment to fostering individuality and creativity within her students highlights the transformative power of music education across borders. As she embarks on this new chapter in Korea, her legacy continues to resonate, bridging the rich musical traditions of her homeland with the classical legacies of Europe.
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