Meet Hyeon Hong

We were lucky to catch up with Hyeon Hong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hyeon, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

I believe my optimism comes from my experiences and the results of my hard work. Even when things didn’t go as planned, I have seen and experienced that dedication and persistence often lead to success. This has strengthened my belief that consistent effort brings opportunities and that the more I challenge myself, the more doors will open. My optimism is not just a mindset but a result of the effort I put in every day.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a violinist and I started playing the violin when I was five. I grew up in South Korea and moved to the United States in 2022 to pursue my Master’s degree at the New England Conservatory in Boston, after graduating with my Bachelor’s from Seoul National University. Currently, I am studying at the Colburn School in Los Angeles, pursuing an Artist Diploma.

After coming to the U.S., I gained a new perspective on classical music. I realized how fascinating it is and began to think more about how I could make it more engaging for a wider audience. In Korea, my primary focus was on refining my technique and improving my sound. However, I came to understand that for audiences, music is about more than just technical excellence—they seek something unique and are drawn to performers who bring a distinctive voice to their playing.

Living in the U.S., I have been exposed to a greater diversity of cultures, and I feel the same diversity exists in music as well. This has inspired me to shape my performances in a way that resonates with more people, including those who may not be familiar with classical music. I want to bridge that gap and make classical music more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

To achieve this, I am expanding my repertoire to include a wider variety of pieces, particularly unique selections that might capture people’s interest. I also spend a lot of time listening to recordings and analyzing trends—exploring what kinds of sounds, phrasing, and repertoire audiences connect with the most.

Most importantly, I strive to put my soul into every performance, embodying both my own emotions and the composer’s story. I try to make their story my own, allowing the music to become a deeply personal expression. When I truly become the music, I believe I can convey deeper emotions and move people in a more profound way. Through this approach, I hope to create performances that are not only technically strong but also emotionally powerful, touching the hearts of my audience.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I believe the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are:

1. Persistent effort – The constant dedication to improving and pushing myself has been key to my progress.

2. Courage to rise after failure – Even when things don’t go as planned, having the strength to stand up again and keep going is crucial.

3. Confidence in myself and my ability to take on challenges – Believing in myself and being willing to take risks has driven me to constantly challenge myself and grow.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

I am looking forward to collaborating with people who are interested in combining classical music with other unique fields such as art, science, and psychology. I believe that when music collaborates with these different areas, it can expand the reach and impact of classical music in exciting new ways. I’m not interested in keeping music confined solely to its traditional classical boundaries—I want to explore how music and art can work together to satisfy both the eyes and ears of the audience. I also want to explore how music can influence people psychologically, examining how listening to music can lead to emotional changes and connections.

I recently read an article about a study exploring how music affects the brain, showing how deeply it can influence people’s minds. Music has the power to move someone emotionally and can even inspire them on a larger scale. This is one of the inspirations I am drawing from right now as a classical violinist. Rather than sticking to the same familiar repertoire, I am continually motivated to try new approaches and challenges in my work, and I want to develop and grow as a musician who understands what people are eager to listen to and enjoy and create music that resonates with them.

If you work in any field where adding a musical element could enhance the experience or create an exciting synergy, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or my social media.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @string_hong
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@hyeonhong2815