Deep Dive: Dr. Hwanwook Lee Harmonizes Cultures Through Choral Education

Dr. Hwanwook Lee, a distinguished conductor, educator, composer, and scholar, is making profound waves in the world of choral music, effortlessly bridging continents, cultures, and generations. With a career spanning over a decade of international experience, Dr. Lee’s work is defined by an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, cross-cultural exchange, and education, establishing him as a respected figure in both academic and professional music communities.

Dr. Lee's unique artistic voice is rooted in a rich educational background. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University, complemented by two Master of Music degrees in Choral Conducting from Missouri State University in the United States and Hansei University in South Korea. His foundational studies include a bachelor’s degree in Church Music with a concentration in composition from Seoul Theological University.

His impact extends significantly within the United States. During his tenure at Texas Tech University, Dr. Lee served as Instructor of Record, leading the Matador Singers (Tenor/Bass Choir) and the University Singers (Treble Voices). He also contributed as associate conductor for the University Choir and Scarlet Voce, while assisting with undergraduate courses in choral conducting and techniques. Notably, he served as Chorus Master for the university’s opera production of La Clemenza di Tito.

Most recently, Dr. Lee completed his appointment as Associate Choir Director at Odessa High School, where he independently and collaboratively led six diverse ensembles, elevating the school’s choral program. This dedication earned him the prestigious Outstanding Graduate Student award at the Texas Tech University School of Music in 2024, alongside recognition for being Instructor of Record for two consecutive years at TTU.

Before his contributions in the U.S., Dr. Lee cultivated extensive experience in South Korea, serving as a church choir director for over ten years at various congregations. Beyond conducting regular services, he founded and expanded a youth choir that went on to win first prize at the Kyung-in Synod Youth Choir Competition. His leadership in these roles encompassed music selection, rehearsal design, mentorship, and performance planning. During his doctoral studies, he was also invited as a guest artist by Heavenly Light Korean Methodist Church in South Korea, conducting the church choir for special services.

As a composer and arranger, Dr. Lee’s work reflects a unique blend of Korean melodic identity and Western choral tradition. His choral work, “A Change of Heart,” published by Chorus Center, one of South Korea’s largest choral music publishers, was performed by the professional Changwon City Choir at the annual “The Innovative Choir Seminar,” the country’s most prestigious church music conference.

At the heart of Dr. Lee’s mission is the belief that music serves as a powerful conduit for cultural understanding. When asked about incorporating Korean music into his choral education in Texas, he shared his approach: “One of the first things I prioritize is bringing diversity to choral music education in Texas. I strive to introduce students to well-known Korean folk songs like Arirang, as well as modern Korean choral works and other Asian repertoire.” He innovatively integrates elements of the Korean language, specifically the phonetic vowel system of Hangul, into vocal instruction, finding it "more intuitive and accessible than the IPA, especially for college-level students."

He also teaches unique aspects of Korean musical expression, using the "rubber band" metaphor to describe the Korean style of emotional release, helping students connect more deeply with the music. “I always aim to provide students with the cultural, historical, social, and linguistic context behind the music they sing,” he added, emphasizing engagement with music as a way of understanding society.

Dr. Lee's approach to blending Korean and Western choral traditions begins with a deep understanding of the text. “Regardless of whether the music is Korean or Western, I believe that truly connecting with the lyrics—the theme, the narrator’s emotional state, and the intended expression—is essential before shaping any musical interpretation,” he explains.

This foundation allows him to analyze how similar emotions are perceived and expressed differently across cultures, citing how sorrow might carry a more introspective, enduring quality in Korean music (often connected to the idea of han), while in Western music it might be expressed with more overt drama or even hope. These nuances inform his interpretations and inspire him to construct concert programs featuring pieces from both traditions that reflect shared emotional themes.

His role as a cultural bridge-builder was vividly demonstrated in 2015 when he was appointed as a One Asia Culture Ambassador (OACA). In the Philippines, he led an ambitious project bringing together music majors from the University of Baguio and college students from various Southeast Asian countries. Dr. Lee organized, rehearsed, and conducted this multicultural choir, leading collaborative performances that not only showcased artistic richness but also promoted unity, empathy, and artistic excellence through choral music.

This leadership was further evidenced in 2018 when he was invited as a Presenter and Clinician on Korean Choral Music at both the Missouri Choral Directors Association (MCDA) and Missouri State University. He focused on sharing how traditional Korean musical elements, such as pentatonic scales, rhythmic structures like jangdan, and traditional ornamentation, can enrich and bring fresh perspectives to modern choral repertoire, specifically discussing their integration into works by contemporary composers like Hyowon Woo. “It was a meaningful opportunity, especially because Missouri has a relatively small Korean population, and many of the attendees were unfamiliar with Korean music,” he noted.

Dr. Lee firmly believes that “music is one of the most powerful tools for connecting people and cultures.” He expresses his mission as helping listeners engage with music not just as something “foreign,” but as "a deeply human and emotionally resonant experience."

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Hwanwook Lee has maintained active membership in numerous professional organizations, including the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), The College Music Society (CMS), and the Korean Church Music Association.

These affiliations underscore his dedication to ongoing professional development and his commitment to contributing to national and international conversations in choral music and education.

Ultimately, Dr. Hwanwook Lee stands as a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries. In all his roles—as a conductor, composer, educator, and cultural bridge-builder—he has demonstrated consistent excellence, integrity, and a profound commitment to the advancement of the musical arts. His legacy is one of unity, excellence, and profound artistic connection, impacting students, audiences, and fellow musicians across cultural divides.