Assistant professor of piano Dr. Rachel Park is originally from Incheon, South Korea and holds a Doctoral of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Church Music from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Park will be performing at the esteemed Carnegie Hall in New York City on March 13^th. 

Tell us about this concert. How did you come across this opportunity?

I dreamed about debuting at Carnegie Hall as I was about to complete my Doctoral study. I checked the rental price of the little recital hall in Carnegie Hall, but it was more than $10,000 to rent the small recital hall, so I thought that I would forget about it. I am a mom of three children, so that seemed impossible to pay off. A few months later, I got a phone call from my former professor at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he said that he would like to recommend me to perform at Carnegie Hall to someone he knew at a performing art agency in New York City. One of their artists got injured and could not keep her contract, so they were urgently looking for a performer who could prepare a program in a few months. They offered this amazing and unbelievable opportunity with the fee being almost half of the original price. So many people offered their heartfelt support and helped me financially, and I deeply appreciate their generous and loving support for me.

What are you most looking forward to?

I want to play the piano without any regret. 

How long have you been working at JSU?

I started teaching at JSU in 2017 as a visiting faculty and became officially JSU in 2018. 

What courses are you currently teaching at JSU? Which is your favorite?

Class Piano I & II, Applied Music Piano, Accompanying, playing for the JSU A Cappella Choir. 

All of them are my favorite. 

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of working at JSU is the opportunity to continue to grow in my field as I am teaching my students. I also love getting to spend time with my children during summer and winter breaks.

What is your favorite thing about the Music Department?

I love my colleagues and students and the atmosphere of the music department. We are a very healthy, supportive, loving, and caring community, and I am very thankful and lucky to be part of this wonderful group of people. 

Do you have any ongoing projects or academic activities you would like to share?

I am presenting at the 2023 annual meeting of the Society for Christian Scholarship in Music. Additionally, I am preparing for the 2023 Alabama Music Teachers Association State Conference, which will be held at JSU, as a conference chairperson. 

Do you have any notable achievements you wish to share?

The Alabama Music Teachers Association, one of the largest musical organizations in Alabama, elected me as the First Vice President and the President-Elect. I am so honored to serve in this position, and I believe this is a wonderful opportunity for the JSU Music Department to be represented. 

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy gardening, reading, cooking, and spending time with my children.

What advice would you give to a student of yours?

Proverbs 4:23 

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.