Music Education doctoral student Sunny Choi has recorded two songs that are on the top 10 most played songs on Steinway’s Spirio platform. The songs are “Hello” by Adele in second place and “Halo” by Beyonce in tenth place. Choi’s doctoral work, which is under the guidance of Professor Alex Ruthmann, focuses on musical improvisation. She answered a few questions for us by email.
How did you get involved with Steinway?
After years of learning the piano from different perspectives, I wanted to explore new endeavors by combining my prior training with improvisation. I wanted to create and share authentic, high-quality interpretations of popular music with a wider audience, and developed a partnership with a local Steinway piano gallery back in Toronto. After moving to New York City, I connected with Steinway Hall in Manhattan to continue to share my popular music performances for their latest high-resolution technology product called Spirio. Out of over 10,000 songs available in the Steinway Spirio app, my music is the most sought and played.
How did you choose those songs? What else do you play?
I selected the songs by browsing the Billboard Hot 100 chart on a given week. I enjoy experimenting with songs from contrasting genres and turning these into authentic solo piano renditions.
What are you focusing on in your doctoral studies at NYU?
I'm currently pursuing my doctoral degree in music education under Alex Ruthmann. My doctoral study is focused on studying how a musician's professional identity evolves and develops from music improvisation practices. I'm conducting my dissertation research at the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland.
What did you study before starting at NYU and where?
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto. I majored in human biology and minored in physiology. I have my master's degree in music education from NYU.
What do you plan to do when you graduate?
I've been developing my career in the field of e-learning and worked on building digital education software applications. My most recent professional work involves developing a piano curriculum implemented in a digital environment where the concept of music learning was centered on music making, lowering the learning entry barrier for casual music hobbyists. I currently work as head of product for another digital education startup.