We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hee Won Jeon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hee Won, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
For many musicians, the love for music is something that grows gradually, but for me, it happened at a young age. Growing up, I wasn’t surrounded by music, as I come from a non-musical family. Despite that, I discovered my deep connection to music early on. It started with the piano, my first instrument, which introduced me to the world of melody, rhythm, and harmony.
However, it wasn’t until I saw a cellist performing on television that my path truly changed. I was captivated by the sound of the cello — its rich, warm tone was unlike anything I had heard before. In that moment, I knew I had to learn how to play it. My cello journey began in grade six, and it has been a central part of my life ever since.
Navigating a future as a musician wasn’t easy, especially without the guidance of a musical background in my family. I often faced uncertainty, not knowing what to expect or what steps to take to shape my future in the world of classical music. But even when the road was unclear, my passion for the cello kept me grounded. No matter the challenges or doubts, I was always okay because I loved playing. That love kept me motivated through every difficult moment.
One of the biggest decisions I made was to take my cello studies to Europe. It felt like the ultimate risk at the time — leaving behind the familiar and venturing into the unknown to pursue my passion. Looking back, I know it was the right choice. That leap of faith was pivotal in shaping my career and my identity as a musician. Despite the challenges, I would make the same choice again in a heartbeat.
To this day, I continue to embrace risks, whether it’s taking on new musical projects or performing in unexpected settings. I see every risk as an opportunity for growth and an adventure waiting to unfold. Just like when I first picked up the cello, I approach each new challenge with excitement and anticipation, trusting that the journey will be just as rewarding.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My journey began in South Korea, where I was born. I moved to Alberta, Canada, in the 5th grade and later to the U.S. in the 7th grade. It was in the 6th grade that I first picked up the cello, starting later than many professional musicians. My passion for the cello blossomed in Northbrook, IL, where I joined the Midwest Young Artist program (MYA) during my middle and high school years. In high school, I was honored to serve as principal and associate principal cellist in the school orchestra and to join the senior orchestra formed by two high schools through a competitive audition.
While completing my sophomore year in high school, I returned to Korea to complete my studies. I finished my high school at Sunwha Arts High School which is a very prestigious high school for students majoring in arts- fine art, dance, and music. In 2014, I moved to Germany, immersing myself in the language and taking master classes with renowned cellists. In 2015, I enrolled at HfM Mainz, Gutenberg University, studying under the esteemed Manuel Fisher-Dieskau. During my time in Germany, I was privileged to meet and learn from legendary artists such as Natalia Gutman, Pieter Wispelwey, Gustave Rivinius, Reinar Ginzel, and Claudia Bussian.
While I cherished my experiences in Germany, I longed to return to the U.S., where I had spent my childhood. I also wanted to be closer to my family, as both of my brothers were studying there. In 2019, I began my master’s program in cello performance at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and continued through to my doctorate.
Throughout my academic journey, I performed numerous solo and chamber recitals across the U.S., Germany and Korea. Though I deeply enjoy solo and chamber music, my true passion lies in orchestral performance. I have had the privilege of playing with several esteemed orchestras, including the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Louisville Orchestra, Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Bloomington Symphony Orchestra, and Venice Symphony Orchestra.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Pursuing a career in music has always been driven by my love for the art form. From the very beginning, I knew I wanted music to surround my life, and it wasn’t just a passion; it was a necessity for my happiness and fulfillment. However, just like any other career path, the journey of a musician is not always filled with the happiest moments. There are challenges, moments of doubt, and hardships that test not only your dedication but your resilience.
In fact, I would say that the periods of difficulty have contributed the most to my personal growth and development as a musician. One pivotal time in my life that stands out is when I was preparing for my college entrance exam. During that time, I was determined to push myself and take my skills to the next level. I set a strict practice routine—seven hours a day, without any exceptions. I would even turn on a timer, ensuring that I didn’t include any breaks, not even bathroom breaks, in those seven hours. I wanted to make sure that my practice was fully focused and intentional.
It was during this intense period of preparation that I saw the most significant improvement in my playing. The hours of dedication and pushing myself beyond my comfort zone led to noticeable growth. This experience taught me that discipline and structured practice are key to improvement.
Even today, when I feel the need to improve, I return to this method. I’ll turn on my timer and track exactly how many hours I’m truly practicing, holding myself accountable for every minute spent with my instrument. Another habit I’ve developed over the years is getting up early. Starting the day early gives me more time to dedicate to practice, but beyond that, it energizes me and makes me feel refreshed. There’s something about being up before the rest of the world that gives me a sense of calm and control, as though I can take on anything.
These strategies, born from times of difficulty, have become essential parts of my growth process as a musician. Hardships may not always be pleasant, but they are often the turning points that push us to become better versions of ourselves.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
When I think about the reputation I’ve built within my market, I’m confident that it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the people around me. The foundation of my journey lies in the unwavering encouragement I received from my parents. Although they weren’t musicians themselves and were unsure about the path I was taking, they supported me every step of the way. In many ways, we took this musical risk together as a team, and it’s their belief in me that has allowed my career to flourish.
The experiences I’ve had, and the emotional depth that you hear in my music today, are largely due to the opportunities my parents gave me. From a young age, we traveled to different places and countries, whether by car or by flying. Those travels exposed me to a variety of cultures and people, experiences that have shaped the unique color and perspective I bring to my music today.
My background and the journey I’ve been on define my musical identity, and I believe these experiences are what make my playing distinct. In the long run, I want to return the joy and inspiration that I’ve received from music back to society. One of my dreams is to create a music institution where students can immerse themselves in music over the weekends. This would be a place for them to play their solo pieces, collaborate in ensembles, and perform in orchestras. Thus, I would like to establish an institution where I can offer young artist these amazing opportunities.
The inspiration for this institution comes from my time at the Midwest Young Artist (MYA) program, where I participated during my youth. The audition processes, rehearsals, and orchestral experiences were incredibly fulfilling, and I would eagerly look forward to weekends filled with music. Touring and performing in new places were exhilarating, offering opportunities that expanded my horizons and deepened my love for music.
Looking back on my own education, I’ve come to realize how crucial music theory was, even though I didn’t fully appreciate its importance at the time. When I create this music institution, I plan to incorporate a comprehensive curriculum that includes theory lessons, aural skills training, and sight-singing sessions. These elements are essential for nurturing a well-rounded musician.
To bring this vision to life, it’s important to connect with professional musicians who can guide students in their musical journey. Having the right foundation, such as proper posture and technique from the very beginning, is invaluable for students’ growth and development.
Ultimately, my goal is to foster a vibrant community where students can not only develop their technical skills but also cultivate a lifelong passion for music. I believe that music has the power to transform lives, and through this institution, I hope to inspire the next generation of musicians. By offering a diverse musical education and performance opportunities, I also aim to contribute to the cultural enrichment of our society.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.heewonjeon.com
- Instagram: @heewonjeon_cellist
- Youtube: @jeonheewon416
Image Credits
Heewon Jeon personal archive