Ganguk Lee, a rising senior at Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.
“I like to describe myself as an egg because an egg can be cooked in many different ways—scrambled, fried, sous vide, soufflé, omelet. They all come in different shapes, and I think my strength is adapting and bringing myself into new situations.”
For Ganguk Lee, a current Peabody music student majoring in percussion, the journey to following his dreams was anything but easy. From grueling college auditions to endless recording days, he’s happy to have found a meaningful percussion community throughout it all.
Ganguk was born in Busan, South Korea, and moved to the United States around the sixth grade. Growing up in Boise, Idaho, he often felt like an outsider and struggled to fit in with his peers. His true sense of belonging didn’t come until he participated in the Tanglewood and Juilliard percussion programs during high school. It was in these summer programs that Ganguk discovered not only a deeper appreciation for music but also the community it brings. He found joy in freely discussing musical compositions and composers with peers who shared his passion.
By the winter of his sophomore year of high school, Ganguk knew he wanted to pursue music as a serious career. During his senior year, he dedicated a significant amount of time to practicing for his college auditions and selecting the right repertoire, rather than focusing on extracurricular activities or writing essays like many of his classmates.
When it came to choosing his audition repertoire, Ganguk stressed the importance of seeking external feedback. He frequently consulted with his mentors, sending them recordings of his pieces to get their opinions on whether his selections were appropriate. Contrary to many beliefs, Ganguk found that admission officers aren’t necessarily looking for the most complicated pieces. Instead, he believed what earned him admission to top conservatories was the proper execution of rhythms, phrasing, notes, and musicality despite his pieces being rather “simple”.
“Choose pieces that suit your musical qualities and showcase your strengths,” Ganguk advises. “It’s not about playing the hardest piece; it’s about playing something well.”
Despite his careful preparation, the audition process was challenging. Ganguk experienced many grueling nights, frustrated by his inability to get a perfect take. “I remember being angry, crying, groveling, and begging myself why I was making simple mistakes over and over again while recording,” he recounts. But his determination kept him going. He found motivation in those rare moments when he achieved a flawless take with no mistakes.
Looking back, having been accepted into prestigious colleges, Ganguk has one key piece of advice for his pre-audition self: “Don’t get discouraged. Keep moving on. It’s an experience everyone has once in their lifetime, and you should think of it as a learning opportunity.” Ganguk’s words serve as an encouragement for those about to embark on or already in the midst of the college audition process: don’t give up. Continue pushing forward and take the time to find joy in this unique opportunity to showcase your abilities and growth.
In his free time, Ganguk loves to cook. He mentions listening to a podcast called “A Taste of History” while practicing rudimentary drum skills. With an appreciation for different cooking styles, he enjoys experimenting with various cuisines. In the future, Ganguk hopes to establish himself as a notable performer and create his own percussion studio, nurturing a welcoming percussion community.
Ganguk’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and passion. His story offers valuable insights and inspiration for aspiring musicians navigating the demanding college audition process. By embracing the challenges and seeking continuous improvement, Ganguk exemplifies how dedication and a love for music can lead to fulfilling achievements.
Full video interview is posted on Mental Symphony’s YouTube @MentalSymphonyVideos and a succinct summary of key points is available on YouTube and the “Interview” section of www.mentalsymphony.com.
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