Dr. An sings during Convocation.
Long-time Music Faculty Moves Into New Role
Dr. Haekyung An, who has taught at Calvary for ten years, transitioned to chair the Music Department this fall. An earned her Bachelor and Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music, a Master of Music in Opera and Musical Theater from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
An said she pursued a music career because, “Music is my best friend… I didn’t need any choice, so it was very natural for me from a young age.” Her wide range of experience, from classical to musical theatre to opera, gives her an extensive body of training to teach from. An said Calvary’s students “all come from different places, dealing with different issues in singing,” and she enjoys getting to know them and helping them hone their skills.
As she steps into this new role, An said, “I want our students to get great training, to have a great experience so that they can go out there and do the things that they want to do.” She added, “There are many graduates out there doing work, especially worship arts degrees… It’s a huge compliment [to the department]. And also, it’s amazing to watch their journey glorifying God, that they’ve trained here and they’re doing it out there.”
Despite the challenges of teaching in a COVID-safe environment, An is excited for the semester’s opportunities. She said, “I love my colleagues; they’re the best people. We work closely together and going forward, even though we are dealing with the situation with COVID, whatever the circumstances our work is not going to stop.”
Dr. An teaches a Master Class on performing audition pieces.