Olivia Jihyun Choi

Olivia Jihyun Choi, a native of South Korea, is currently a third-year doctoral candidate specializing in Orchestral Conducting at George Mason University in Virginia. She serves as an assistant conductor and a graduate teaching assistant under Dr. Soo Han, the esteemed director of the Mason Symphony Orchestra at George Mason University. Additionally, she receives violin instruction within the studio of Professor June Huang, a respected figure in the field and the Director of Strings as an Assistant Professor.

She graduated with her bachelor’s majoring in violin performance at Kyung Pook National University in Daegu, South Korea. Following her time in Korea, Olivia came to the U.S. to start her master’s program at Temple University, in Pennsylvania. She earned a Master of Music in Violin Performance as well as String Pedagogy under the guidance of Dr. Vladimir Dyo. Additionally, she completed professional studies for the graduate certificate program in Violin Performance at Temple University under Professor Davyd Booth, who also serves as a violinist in The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Upon her professor’s recommendation, she embarked on a new career path by enrolling in orchestral conducting studies in 2019. She successfully completed her second master’s degree at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, with a major in Orchestral Conducting under Maestro Joseph Caminiti. Throughout this period, she secured a full-time graduate assistantship and assumed the role of an assistant conductor. Additionally, she held the position of Concertmaster for the West Chester University Chamber Orchestra and served as the Assistant Concertmaster for the West Chester University Symphony Orchestra.

Olivia Jihyun was invited to be the String Orchestra Director in July 2022 for the 61st annual high school summer music camps at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Her passion lies in fostering musical growth with young musicians, and she takes immense joy in collaborative music-making. Olivia Jihyun aspires to be a source of inspiration and openness for the next generation of musicians.

Presently, she is dedicated to nurturing emerging talents within the Northern Virginia area. Furthermore, she holds the esteemed position of String Director for the Youth Orchestra at the Korean Central Presbyterian Church in Virginia, contributing significantly to the musical development of young talents.