Minjung Kim

Minjung Kim is a Master of Music student with specialization in piano and organ performance from Seoul, South Korea

Hometown: Seoul, South Korea

High School: Ogeum High School

Year: Expected graduation: Spring 2027

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Are you pursuing that as a major, or have you taken another path?
This question’s answer has always been clear and consistent to me. I always wanted to be a musician. The dream of becoming a musician took root when I was only three or four years old, a fact my mother discovered quite by accident when she noticed me playing the opening theme song from a kids’ TV show on a toy keyboard. She was the one who realized this instinctive connection to melody was more than just child’s play, and that moment became the beginning of my musical journey.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study?
I’m pursuing a Master of Music in piano and organ performance. My decision to pursue this course of study is the natural continuation of a lifelong passion. I started this journey simply because I loved music. However, even during the most challenging moments when I desperately wanted to quit, I found myself instinctively seeking out and listening to music. It was in those moments that I realized pursuing music as my major was inevitable. For me, music has no end; there is only a continuous process and direction for further growth. This profound belief is why I am drawn to and committed to the performance track. It is a discipline that constantly demands learning, evolution and exploration.

What has been something you have found pleasantly surprising about your experience at NIU?
What I find most pleasantly surprising and valuable about my time here is the comprehensive environment that supports a performer's development. The mentorship from the professors is truly outstanding, and learning from such dedicated and inspiring faculty is a significant advantage. Especially for a performance major, the school actively provides the essential stage experience. The greatest strength is the steady flow of performance opportunities and collaborative projects. This combination of expert guidance and practical experience makes me feel like I'm not just learning but truly growing with every performance and lesson. Additionally, these experiences often become a strong source of self-motivation during tough times; knowing I am making real progress encourages me to keep going. Furthermore, as a musician, it is a great privilege and an honor to be appreciated and listened to by many people, and I am experiencing this amazing, unexpected moment right now. I am very thankful for this ongoing chance to share my art and connect with an audience.

How have you connected with other students to study for classes, meet new people or form new friendships?
I see myself as a very friendly person, always ready to greet others and start conversations. 

More importantly, I enjoy focusing on people's strengths. In classes, friendships and study groups often form naturally as we discuss course material and share our music. Outside the classroom, my role as a student assistant puts me in contact with many students who need collaboration. During these interactions, I focus on what I can contribute and aim to be as helpful as possible. It’s truly rewarding that both my friends and professors recognize and appreciate my sincerity and willingness to help.

Are you involved in any student organizations, mentoring programs or extra-curricular activities? If so, which ones? How have they added to your experience as a Huskie?
Unfortunately, I am not currently involved in any formal mentoring programs or structured study groups. My main involvement is through my role as a student assistant, specifically as a collaborative pianist. This position is more than just a job; it is a dynamic, cooperative experience that regularly connects me with a wide range of students. In helping them with their repertoire and performances, I am not just providing one-way assistance. Instead, we engage in a mutual exchange of influence essential to both of our growth. I learn to be a better collaborator and communicator, while helping them realize their musical vision.

What NIU offices, departments or resources have helped you feel safe, supported and successful? And how?
As an international student, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) has been essential in providing guidance and helping me feel secure, allowing me to focus on my studies. Academically, the School of Music supports my success through specialized faculty mentorship and ample performance opportunities vital to my major. Moreover, the availability of the Student Health Center and Police and Public Safety helps me feel safe on campus.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why? What course did they teach?
It's genuinely impossible for me to pick just one. Because of my collaborative role in the School of Music, I’ve had the privilege of working with faculty members from nearly every department, not just those who taught my courses. However, I would like to particularly express my heartfelt gratitude to my major advisor, Dr. William Goldenberg, in piano, and Professor Marianne Kim for her inspiring teaching in organ. The collective efforts of the entire faculty have shaped my experience here, and I appreciate their diverse contributions to my development.

How have you benefited by attending class regularly?
The primary benefit of being present is that it allows me to be an active participant in the learning process. Moreover, it ensures I never miss the critical context and detailed insights the professor provides, which are often impossible to grasp from the materials alone. More fundamentally, when you commit to something consistently, the habit itself becomes a powerful motivator. This small, consistent effort to be present and engage in class lays the essential foundation for my academic success.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community? Why are you drawn to it?
Actually, I've rarely been to any of them except for the music building, but sometimes I take a walk along the Kishwaukee River on Lucinda Avenue. The music library has a small coffee and tea station, so I use it frequently. The most comfortable place is my practice room in the music building, which I use every day.

What advice would you give to a student who is researching colleges to apply to?
It's okay if you're unsure about what you want to do. Whether it's related to your major or not, time spent learning is not wasted. It's also fine to not have a clear goal right now. Just look for things to learn. Before you decide to go to college, you should carefully examine your interests. Check the school's curriculum and the professors' activities. Besides studying your major, think about activities you want to do or things you want to learn. It definitely helps if you can clarify your goals. But, once again, it's okay to be unsure.

Why is a college education important to you?
I think getting a college education is like going to an escape room or on a treasure hunt. Students who know what to do can enjoy their journey, navigate difficulties and find treasure. If they don't know how to do it, they have to learn how to find their way. Since professors share their experiences in class or in research, students can learn shortcuts, gain access to good resources or get hints to solve problems. I think this process can help develop your mindset and skills. It allows you to get a deeper understanding of your major and experience a smaller version of the field, which provides the basis for facing reality. In my experience, it’s like having unfinished gemstones and finding the tools and techniques to improve them. Sometimes I stop and try the skills I've learned. I think it's my university education that made all of this possible.

What strategies do you use to manage your time between the responsibilities of school, work, friends and family?
I can confidently say that this is the weakest part of me. My priorities are job and school first, and family and friends are at the same level. Growing up so independently, I didn’t have to worry too much about my family, and vice versa. I do my best to keep in touch with my friends and see them regularly. I spend the most time and energy on meeting deadlines and maintaining high quality. It seems to help me study efficiently if I organize the materials I receive in class and make good use of notes and keywords.

How do you stay informed about events and services that are available on campus?
I see school news and events through email. It’s the fastest and easiest way for me.

What do you do to relax or recharge?
I cook carefully for myself, or I watch YouTube videos of intellectuals. I like watching their videos because I want to be someone who can freely share my knowledge like they do. I'm into coffee these days, so I'm watching videos of coffee production and processing and brewing recipes. Maybe coffee will be a lifelong hobby for me. If I don't have the energy to do anything, I always end up sleeping.

Please tell us about your job and hobbies.
I am currently a graduate assistant at NIU, serving as a collaborative pianist and choir accompanist in the School of Music. I support students who need piano accompaniment. I think I have collaborated with almost every area except for jazz and percussion. Other than that, I am also a piano instructor and church musician. As I mentioned earlier, watching YouTube videos of intellectuals and cooking are my current hobbies. I think coffee will become a new hobby in the future, and I sometimes sing at home with my keyboard accompaniment.