Hye-Won

It has always been my dream to utilise my skills to promote the beauty of my instrument and also the uniqueness of the New Zealand music not only nationwide, but worldwide. In order to do that I knew that have to look the bigger picture and aspire to be a role model for the younger generation of flute players in New Zealand.

My love and passion for the flute came instantly from the moment I heard its mesmerising sound at the age of 10. That is also when my family moved to New Zealand and since then I met many encouraging and supportive teachers in Auckland especially, Luca Manghi, Dr. Melody Lin and Professor Uwe Grodd.

After graduating from the University of Auckland with Master's degree in Flute in 2014, I have ventured out a new journey in the United States to challenge myself to really master the artistry of flute. I have been so fortunate to receive grants which enabled me to travel, audition and eventually allowed me to undertake my study at the New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, with the principal flute of the Grammy Award-winning Boston Symphony Orchestra, Elizabeth Rowe.

I feel extremely privileged to be the first kiwi flutist to be studying in NEC. The institution that is known to be one of America's most reputable music schools for their prestigious orchestral and chamber programmes. I was offered scholarships at the NEC to start my Graduate Diploma which is a two-year program equivalent to Master's degree however focuses on performing and gaining field experience.

To my disbelief I have survived my first semester and I will be going back for the Fall semester at the end of August. My programme is due to be completed in December 2017 and it comes with annual tuition fees of about NZD$50,000. The funds raised through Boosted will be a huge help for the remainder of my programme.

I have encountered a few unforgettable and life-changing moments in music and I believe in its power that can speak to absolutely anybody.

Thank you so much for your love and support toward myself and what I believe in.