Meet Jooeun Pak | Dancing, Painting PIANIST. A Performing artist and an educator- Director of Piano Studies at MSU Denver.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jooeun Pak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jooeun, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
One habit that I stuck to for many years, as any established musician would have, is being committed to routine (especially routinely practicing set amount of hours at the same time everyday) no matter what. I spent 20s and 30s without holidays as 6:00 p.m. everyday was the time I had to be in the practice room. I studied with and assisted (as a teaching assistant during my student years) teachers that demonstrated that practicing everyday is a life style, not a course of study or means to succeed. It is engraved in me as how I “do” things! No matter what- sickness, emergency situations, sadness, unpredictable mood swings… no matter what, Do the routine EVERYDAY.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a classical musician- performing pianist. Growing up in a family of a renowned reputation where I felt nobody else could empathize the depth of emotions I had, I found shelter in the music I was playing, and classical music has been m best friend since then. Fighting the battle of competition in the field of classical music was the hardest as only a tiny percentage of us survive with a “real job” or opportunities to perform, but the journey was the most gratifying experience. The journey of truly finding myself, discovering how I face competition. I have learned the best way to survive is to be truly myself. Easier said to be done, but somehow finding a way to have confidence, gut, faith that being fully myself will have its power to deliver a compelling delivery of performance. I had successful debuts in world’s most celebrated venues, got early tenure in the university, bought home and my own Steinway- happy and proud as anyone could imagine. The Covid-19 came.

I am now an “injured” pianist whose right hand suddenly with no found cause woke up one day with non-functional condition during Covid-19. Just when I thought I “figured out” how to thrive through what life throws at me, I faced an injury which was extremely challenging emotionally, physically, financially and professionally. Past five years of numerous days of questioning, agonizing, dealing with “why?” and “how?”, fast forwarding. I am living today with full of gratitude. I found ways to replace hours that I could not practice (because of had pain) with painting, dancing and writing. My hand is going through different phases every year- and I am an evolved version of a person who embraces it everyday. Giving concerts with pantings, telling my ow story- being grateful that I have a story that is unique, challenging. I am not sure if I overcame. but I am living through, and with it- that alone is A LOT.

There is a part of me, even with an injured hand, that wants to deliver a perfect performance. A performance that impeccably delivers artistic ideals – sound, imagery and overwhelming shades of emotions I bear- with perfect executions. That’s where I am. Injury is a course of life- my endeavor to deliver what’s in my heart, what’s in my mind will continue putting its best effort nevertheless. how it turns out? who knows. I do my best, rest is up to God who hears of my darkest moments every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh I have done this several times already! with people whom I love and adore the most! I book classes at Block 21 Fitness, Elemental studios and EVQ studios. Making sure that they have moments to spare in dancing- moments to feel liberated and truly meet themselves! Kudos to Block21 Fitness, Elemental Studios and EVQ as I AM SURE the environment is celebratory, non-judgmental to whoever walks in. It is extremely important to me that those who I love, know their value, know how to celebrate who they are regardless of- you name it. what life gives us. I have confidence in these three studios, and I make sure they experience moments of being able to be themselves via dancing- serious, silly, social, shy, sexy, everything we naturally are. Restaurants in recommendation- Rioja in Larimer Square. Concerts in Red Rocks Theatre never fail. breakfast in Sam’s No. 3- portions are like the ones in the 1990s.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am shy to call my story anything of success, or worthy to be recognized. It is a life of someone who manages to find ways to live with her passion in her ups and downs. But I do have a very clear idea of who my shoutout would be- it is my dance community- instructors and my friends at Block21 Fitness, Elemental Dance Studios and EVQ Dance Studio. During Covid-19, a particularly notable time for me as the hand injury with unidentifiable cause also came to me- I felt lost, finding no reason to continue living. Not being able to be who I worked so hard to be, for the past 30 years (if not more!). Facing a hand that does not function as a pianist was extremely excruciating. Then I started seeing my friends who danced their ups and downs out with me, in these dance classes. I finally learned, their lives are no easier than mine, but we collectively find a spirit to continue living in celebration. It is my 5th year living with an injury- I have moved on in finding ways to still play and perform. daily frustration is still there; some days harsher than others. But I have a community in which I am reminded that I am not alone in this life journey; there are so much to be grateful for, to celebrate and to cherish. Shoutout to everyone who dance every moment of life away in celebration.

Website: https://www.jooeunpak.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jooeunpak/

Image Credits
Kelly Kruse photography