Elaine Kwon
Pianist / Tae Kwon Do Champion
MIT
New York, NY USA
“I said I'm gonna really absolutely follow my heart, 'cause otherwise I'm going to feel sick inside.”
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Milestones
My road in life has been direct.
Had a demanding father who just wanted her to succeed, pushed her, knew as a minority female, she'd have to work "doubly hard."
Started playing piano at age four.
Was set up to go to the University of Washington and study medicine when she "made a break."
Realized she didn't want to go into medicine, had a tough conversation with her father and "just left," went to study piano in Texas.
Says it was very important for her to get away from home, where she slipped back into old habits; says find yourself your own space.
At age 25, she found a new passion for taekwondo; said "whatever strikes me, I'm gonna try to explore."
Answered Nike ad calling for fitness models; went for it at age 37 even though they wanted ages 18-23; got the part; says "What's too old?"
Says "you can redefine what it means to be a woman at any age."
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Bachelor
Music Performance, General
The University of Texas at Austin
Music Performance, General
The University of Texas at Austin
Graduate
Music Performance, General
The New England Conservatory of Music
Music Performance, General
The New England Conservatory of Music
Graduate
Music Performance, General
Boston University
Music Performance, General
Boston University
Career
Pianist / Tae Kwon Do Champion
I'm a prize-winning concert pianist, martial artist, fitness model, and a lecturer in music at MIT.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Acting & Theatre
Music
Being Creative
Interviewed By
