What was your experience like participating in Spotlight from auditions to master classes?
The experience was fantastic from start to finish. As this was my first time auditioning for Spotlight, I was surprised to see that my time with Spotlight had been more of a learning experience rather than my initial thought as a regular competition. The professors and staff involved are all very welcoming and supportive of my endeavors. The master class I received was very eye opening and challenging, which gave me a lot to think about, not just to practice and fix. My life has changed since becoming apart of the Spotlight family.

What was it like performing on the stage of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion?
Performing on stage was unreal. Even just standing on stage was so welcoming and inspiring because all the potential was there to give anything I want for the audience to hear. And of course, the experience ended too soon. I had the best performance high ever.

What is your favorite thing about performing or studying your art form?
Learning music is perennial. It never ends and there's always more material to let your mind think about and sift through. There are many layers to music, and it's really interesting to uncover them as time goes on and I mature more (hopefully!).

Who is your favorite singer/dancer/performer/composer, etc. and why?
Brahms is my favorite composer because his music manages to push tension to the limit right before you think it all will give in to chaos, or at least some sort of devastation. The sensitive moments really manage to grab hold of your heart and realize how malleable it is.

Who has been your biggest fan and has given you the most support?
The people who have undoubtedly supported me the most are my mom and aunt. Without them, I wouldn't be able to say that I'm really privileged to have experienced such an enriching music education from a young age. I've been incredibly lucky to have studied with such wonderful teachers who have guided me to where I am now. They really have been an amazing insight to me not just as music teachers, but also as mentors. My friends have been wonderful in supporting me in my music as well. They go ballistic cheering for me at every venue.

What other skills or talents do you have that other people may not know about you?
Before I became serious about music, I was really interested in following a career in golf. I also did Korean traditional dancing. I'm also proficient at learning languages quickly. I'm learning Korean, Japanese, and Spanish now, and I hope to add more when I become fluent in the ones I?m studying now.

Are there any setbacks that you have overcome which have challenged you to be a better artist?
I'm really fortunate to not have encountered any major setbacks in my music career so far; however, I had to overcome time managing issues as I got older as I had to deal with more and more challenging school work when I entered high school. That really helped me see what I needed to practice before I even picked up the instrument. It helped me create goals before every practice session and to see what I really needed to get done. Being busy can be hectic and stressful, but I find that it helps me get work done.

What qualities do you believe are your biggest strengths?
I ask a lot of questions. Maybe too many, but it helps me to take initiative and explore more of what I'm doing in my music. I'm always thinking of how to overcome a difficulty in my music to make it work for me. The most essential quality I have is self-motivation. Even when I'm dead tired from all the work I have to do, I remember my dreams and what I want to accomplish, and I get back to work.

What are your dreams/goals in life?
Whatever I do, I hope to be involved in music in the future. Whether it's playing in a symphony, or teaching music at a university, or performing a solo career or chamber music, I'm really excited to see what opportunities will come my way.

What are your plans after high school?
I will be attending USC Thornton School of Music in the fall. I also will be performing with Torrance Symphony Orchestra in the 2011-2012 season. I hope to perform with more symphonies and join many ensembles. I also wish to explore composition while I'm at USC.