Growing up in Southern California, Kimberly Kang was inspired by her mother’s piano playing to pursue music. Now a Doctorate of Musical Arts (DMA) student at Stony Brook University, Kang reflects on her early introduction to music through lessons in piano, violin, and French horn. “My parents paid for all my music lessons,” she said, explaining their desire for her to explore non-sport hobbies.
Kang’s academic journey into music began during her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She received encouragement from a harpsichord teacher she met at a music festival. Arthur Haas, Kang’s mentor and professor in Stony Brook University’s Department of Music, first met her at the Amherst Early Music Festival. “Meeting Arthur Haas at a music festival made pursuing music a possibility,” she said.
Haas recalls his first impression of Kang: “When she arrived, I didn’t know who she was,” he said. “Coming from the West Coast and studying at Berkeley, Kimberly was full of enthusiasm for the harpsichord.” Although impressed with her playing ability, Haas noted that Kang needed further study in style and encouraged her to continue learning.
Pursuing a DMA is significant for Kang. One requirement is a lecture recital where she discussed unmeasured preludes from 17th and 18th-century France. “There weren’t very many of them written,” Kang noted, highlighting their value for musicians learning improvisation today.
The harpsichord differs significantly from the piano in sound production. “On a piano…a hammer strikes three strings,” Kang explained. In contrast, the harpsichord uses a plectrum to pluck strings individually. This requires players to use technique rather than force to create expression.
Kang’s daily routine varies depending on concert schedules. She has shifted focus toward sharing interesting music with different communities since advancing in her doctorate program.
Arthur Haas praises Kang’s growth as a musician: “She started with simpler pieces but learned not just to play notes but to truly make music.” He also notes that job opportunities are now becoming possible for her due to recognition of her talent.
Kang balances coursework and concerts while managing personal projects despite challenges like burnout last year. Her philosophy emphasizes music’s power to shape society and build communities.
Looking ahead, Kang hopes to perform and teach extensively while possibly returning to Southern California to start an ensemble there. She advises aspiring academics: “Pursue as many outside opportunities as possible…enjoy the learning process.”
Professor Haas offers advice: “Music is demanding…you have to be at the top of your field.” He acknowledges challenges transitioning from piano to harpsichord but emphasizes its rewarding nature if one is willing to work hard.
Haas concludes by highlighting dedication among students he mentors: “Seeing them grow…is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.”
— Aisha Nasara Sulemana
