The Hawaiʻi Music Teachers Association is proud to announce violinist and violist Dr. Yuseon Nam as the 2023 HMTA Teacher of the Year for her outstanding contributions to Hawaiʻi’s music community as an educator and former HMTA Vice-President (2020-2021) and Director (2019-2020 and 2021-2022). A very dedicated musical and educational advocate, she is an inspirational leader who changes children’s lives through music. Her positive contributions to Hawaiʻi’s music community is highly outstanding and remarkable.
We want to thank our judges Gregory Shepherd (Music Professor, Kauaʻi Community College), Steve Metcalf (Director Emeritus, Presidents’ College, University of Hartford; Former Assistant Dean of The Hartt School), and Daniel Houglum (Composer) for their time and expertise.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Yuseon Nam has quickly made a positive impact on the musical community of Hawaiʻi since her arrival in the fall of 2017. She is a fulltime member of the Hawaiʻi Symphony Orchestra, maintains a large private studio, and teaches at ʻIolani School. Dr. Nam did her undergraduate studies at Seoul National University, and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where she received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, summa cum laude, studying with Ik-Hwan Bae.
Dr. Nam completed her doctoral degree in violin performance and literature at the Eastman School of Music, studying with Federico Agostini. She was Professor Agostini’s teaching assistant, and also taught violin courses at the University of Rochester. Dr. Nam also studied with Mimi Zweig at Indiana University to complete her master’s degree outside area in violin/viola pedagogy. While at Indiana, she taught students in the Indiana University String Academy.
Dr. Nam is an active soloist and chamber musician. She has performed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Nam was the founder of the Felix Trio, and they were featured at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., the Yujung Arts Center in Seoul, and invited as a resident trio at the Banff Centre Chamber Music Residency. Dr. Nam has been a prizewinner in numerous competitions, and has performed as a soloist with orchestras across the world including the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Korean-American Youth Orchestra, and Romanian State Orchestra. Also an accomplished viola player, Dr. Nam was invited as a viola guest artist to the International Chamber Music Festival of Puerto Rico.
Q and A with Dr. Nam:
What was your reaction when you first found out you are Teacher of the Year? When I first heard the news, I couldn't believe it. There are so many great teachers here, and I couldn't help but wonder if I truly deserved this award. I came to see it as a sign to teach more wholeheartedly, and I am sincerely grateful for it.
You have an amazing teaching background and once taught at both the Eastman School of Music and the Jacobs School of Music prior to your relocation to Honolulu, where you now own a private studio. Please share how your past teaching experiences have molded you into the teacher and mentor you are today. I've had the privilege of learning from truly exceptional teachers, and their teachings have had a profound impact on how I educate my students today.
In Indiana, I was fortunate to learn from the outstanding pedagogue, Mimi Zweig. Mimi emphasized the significance of establishing a strong fundamental skill set, even for those not pursuing music as a major. This philosophy deeply influenced my teaching approach, which taught me the importance of laying a solid foundation.
During my time at Eastman, I had the privilege of studying with the esteemed Federico Agostini, who guided me in the art of independent musical thinking. Teaching music majors and university students at Eastman gave me the opportunity to aid my students in developing critical thinking skills and their own unique musical interpretations.
What was the most challenging thing in your teaching career, and what did you do to overcome it? I didn’t have much experience teaching very young students before coming to Hawaiʻi, so it was quite challenging to teach young children when I first arrived. Keeping their interest and explaining things in a way they could easily understand was initially a struggle. Even now, I continuously strive to find better ways to teach children. I often read books on child development and the process of how we learn as human beings. I always make an effort to observe experienced teachers whenever the opportunity arises. Furthermore, raising my own daughter who will soon turn four years of age, has provided me with a deeper understanding of child psychology.
How do you nurture a love of music in your students? I always tell my students that it's essential to listen to and engage with music. It doesn't have to be exclusively classical; any genre is acceptable. If they have the opportunity, I encourage them to attend live performances because there’s something truly special about experiencing music live.
When my students are learning a piece, I suggest that they research the composer and the historical context of the music. I also recommend that they listen to other compositions by the same composer. This not only enhances their understanding of the work they are studying, but also deepens their appreciation for the art in general. The more they know, the more they can connect with music.
What is unique or special about being a music teacher? I believe that music teachers are often individuals who have a profound love for their work and a deep sense of purpose. We have the opportunity to have a one-on-one connection with students and the chance to nurture their growth for many years as they mature both as a musician and as a person.
If you were not a music teacher, what would you have been instead? If I weren't a music teacher, I envision myself working with children in another educational role. Teaching and guiding young minds has always been a passion of mine. Alternatively, I might have pursued a career as a therapist, as I'm drawn to helping individuals navigate their challenges and find emotional well-being.
Please share your best advice for aspiring music teachers. My best advice for aspiring music teachers is to have patience. Students often face various challenges, whether it's mastering a difficult piece or understanding complex musical concepts. By remaining patient, teachers create an environment where students feel safe to make mistakes, learn at their own pace, and ultimately reach their full potential. Patience allows students to build confidence, resilience, and a deeper passion for music, which are all vital for their growth and success in the musical journey.
“I have been a student of Dr. Nam for nearly 7 years and during that time, she has tremendously helped me improve my violin playing skills. She is overall an amazing music teacher who pays attention to every detail so that other students and I can always get the best results. I have had many music teachers growing up, but I can genuinely say that Dr. Nam is the most caring and compassionate of them all. I deeply appreciate everything she has done for me and I congratulate her on this well-deserved award.”
— Student
“We have been taking violin classes with Ms. Nam for about 10 months and we couldn't be happier. She is not only a talented musician herself and a truly amazing teacher. Her passion, dedication, and patience are clearly making a significant impact on our 7-year-old's music journey. Thank you Ms. Nam!
We are so grateful for you!”
— Studio Parent
“Dr. Nam's courage to teach music against all odds is truly an inspiration to my children as students of her teachings, as well as myself as a violin mom. Our children have been learning from her for a couple years and we have known her to be the most patient, kind, loving teacher who has elevated their technical mastery of the violin and taught them how to showcase their musical knowledge into touching the hearts of their audience and fill their own hearts with musical love. It truly is a whole child experience and we are so grateful she continues to stay and live in Hawaiʻi. Our children have participated in the Solo & Ensemble, HMTA, and Orbifold Global Music Festival & Competitions, have participated in the HYS Academy String Program, have been first chair and section leaders in their school orchestra at 'Iolani School, and have truly broadened their knowledge of the musical universe available to them. They are truly on a wonderful musical journey that will be with them for their entire lives. We hope they too, will give back to the community and pay it forward....”
— Studio Parent
