Support Kangin pursuing his Master's Degree

I still remember what my mom told me when I first wanted to learn the violin. She said, "It is completely your choice, but once you make the choice, you should commit yourself to it." That commitment from a little 8-year-old kid continued to grow and evolved into a great passion and dream for life. Since I was certain that music and the violin were the things that I could pour my whole heart into, my future as a violinist seemed like something that was supposed to happen no matter what.

But reality made me realize that things that I had taken for granted were not at all natural. Music education could not be the priority for an immigrant family who constantly had to struggle with financial uncertainty and unstable status. But even on this bumpy journey, I was able to continue learning the violin because of so many unexpected and gracious offers of help I received. I cannot express my gratitude enough to the ones who supported me and my family at every difficult moment we've gone through.

Unfortunately, my musical journey, which could only continue due to so much support from others, is now facing the most difficult barrier of its time. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity from Belmont University to study with Professor Boris Abramov, where I had the privilege of studying under Professor Boris Abramov and achieved notable accomplishments such as winning 1st prize in the Charleston International Music Competition and the Birmingham International Music Competition. It was a clear decision for me to pursue a Master's degree and study under the professor I admire, in an environment that allows me to thrive with my passion. Unfortunately, due to a sudden and significant change in my family's financial circumstances and immigration status that my family and I are currently facing, the goals and dreams I had envisioned have become unlikely to achieve in just a matter of weeks.

Since I am a nonimmigrant with an F1 (Student) visa, if I cannot commit to a university for the following school year, I cannot legally stay in the States and must go back to my home country, which poses a huge risk of creating an endless wait for my graduate studies. However, I cannot commit if I cannot pay the tuition.

It is presumed that the total tuition for my graduate school at the university will be about $36,000. You can access the detailed information about the tuition here

I was recently delighted to receive an invitation to participate in the Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves, an intensive summer string chamber music festival in Bordeaux, France, this August. This would be an incredible chance to immerse myself in chamber music and learn from renowned musicians – an experience I was truly looking forward to. However, given our current financial situation, it appears unlikely that I will be able to afford to attend. It would be a true shame to miss out on such a valuable opportunity for growth and collaboration, and I sincerely hope that despite the difficult situation, I will still be able to experience this great opportunity when it is given.

Rencontres Musicales Internationales des Graves

The recent overwhelming events have prompted me to reflect more deeply on my motivations for making music. Although my passion for music was undeniable, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in it due to my lack of a clear answer to the following question: Are my goals and dreams worthwhile and meaningful in someone else's life? For this reason, I was hesitant to create this fundraiser, for I did not want others to invest in me when I could not invest in myself. I am grateful that through this difficult time, I was able to find the answer that my music is worth to other people and provides meaning to others. Your contribution means more than supporting me in pursuing a graduate school study, but also serves as kindling that will ignite a young passion capable of inspiring future generations.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support and will surely not take any of this for granted. If you have any other questions, please reach out to me. I am willing to host a performance or provide any help you may need.

You can also watch my performances here.