We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Kang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

David, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

Reflecting on my journey as a musician, I’m often tempted with the notion that perhaps I didn’t start taking my career seriously as early as I had hoped.

The past eight years of my college education have proven invaluable. I’ve been surrounded by incredible teachers and colleagues who are passionate about their craft and strive for excellence. Yet, my educational path has been driven by insecurities and a persistent desire to catch up with peers whom I deeply admire.

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who, with great generosity, shared their experiences with me. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned recently is that life, being inherently unpredictable, presents various challenges that deviate from the precise trajectory I had envisioned for my career.

Despite these hurdles, I strive to embrace the discipline of contentment. While the journey isn’t always straightforward, I’ve come to believe that every twist and turn plays a crucial role in shaping the musician I am today. Everything has occurred and will continue to unfold in its perfect timing.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Santa Clarita, CA. My musical journey began around the age of 5 when I started taking piano and violin lessons. Although I never initially considered pursuing a career in music, I found myself excelling in orchestras despite not being a prodigy. Even as I reached the end of high school, my skill level fell short of meeting the requirements for admission to any prestigious conservatory.

Around the age of 14, my parents’ divorce marked a challenging period as I lived with my mother and younger sister until I graduated high school. This tumultuous experience calloused my academic ambitions but also led me to become introspective, paving the way for my evolution into a musician.

Upon applying to UC and CSU schools as a violin performance major, I found myself under the guidance of Dr. Moni Simeonov at CSU Long Beach. Initially, my priorities were misplaced, resulting in a challenging first year. A pivotal moment occurred when I was ousted from a lesson, forcing me to reevaluate my focus. Starting my second year, a newfound dedication emerged, initially driven by religious convictions but eventually evolving into a genuine love for music.

Though I had been playing viola in string quartets since my freshman year, it wasn’t until my second year of undergrad that I introduced it into my lessons with Moni. Making the official switch to viola in my third year, a significant turning point arrived with a Sunday morning call from Moni. Ms. Midori Goto had recommended that I prepare to transfer to USC.

Moni and Ms. Goto became instrumental figures in my life, epitomizing radical generosity. They supported me by covering flight costs, trial lessons, hotels, and providing extra lessons to ensure a superior education. This transformative period fuels my commitment to excel in music, aspiring to one day exhibit the same level of generosity they showed me.

Continuing my undergraduate education at the University of Southern California under the guidance of Che-Yen Chen, and later Yura Lee. While transitioning to a more intense environment presented its challenges, I diligently absorbed everything USC had to offer, further shaping my musical journey.

I love performing music. The act of performing is simultaneously exhilarating, challenging, frustrating, and invigorating. I find constant inspiration from others and strive to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for those around me. While undoubtedly a blessing, I sometimes find myself feeling overwhelmed by my ambitions to excel in the realms of classical music I’ve become affiliated with.

My passion extends beyond performing as a violist in an orchestra; it has led me to seriously contemplate a career in conducting. Chamber music holds a profound place in my heart, and I aspire to pursue it in some capacity. Performing solo pieces allows me to express the deepest parts of my being, while teaching the joy of playing classical music to the next generation brings me immense fulfillment. With so much to explore, it’s challenging to decide what I’d like to focus on in any given season.

As a recent graduate and a freelancer, this period is both daunting and thrilling. The lack of stability in income is a challenge, but I’ve also found it to be an enriching time. Surprisingly, every gig and project I’ve been part of post-graduation has been incredibly fulfilling.

Ultimately, my aspiration is for anyone who listens to my music to be profoundly moved in a meaningful way.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative, for me, lies in the ability to translate emotions, ideas, and perspectives into tangible forms that resonate with others. It’s the profound connection forged through shared experiences, the impact on people’s emotions, the potential to inspire or provoke thought, the art of storytelling, and the ability to invite others into a unique vision. There’s a joy in creating a space where others can immerse themselves in my creative world.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I may not have the intellect or concrete statistics to support this observation, but within my circles, there’s a notable enthusiasm for sports, with individuals knowing the detailed performance statistics of certain athletes. Interestingly, many of these same individuals lack awareness of the members of their local orchestra. It raises questions about how we can enhance awareness, acknowledging that mere information might not suffice. To create a thriving ecosystem of musicians and curious listeners, it’s essential to go beyond providing facts and actively piquing people’s interests. I’m uncertain about the societal level impact, but on an individual level, fostering genuine curiosity seems crucial for cultivating a richer appreciation of classical music.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @davidkang_viola
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dkdvd1234

Image Credits
Kevin Hsu