The 1st Vocal Music Overseas Training

Eastern Europe Amazed by K-Vocal Passion

- Polish professor: “In 20 years of running this course, I’ve never seen such passion.”

- Students: “Jet lag? Not for us… We were preparing for class from dawn.”

- Our university’s Department of Vocal Music successfully completes training at the Chopin University of Music, Poland

“I witnessed people from all walks of life bankers, IT specialists, office workers, self-employed professionals participating passionately in every course from morning until evening. If universities like Seoul Cyber University’s College of Music, filled with such burning hearts, were established around the world, the power of music could even transform a barren world full of war.”

Professor Eugenia Rezler of the Chopin University of Music gave unreserved praise at every moment to the passion of the Korean students. Having led this training program for more than 20 years, she ranked the passion of Seoul Cyber University’s vocal music students among the very best she had ever seen.

From July 12^th to 18^th, the Department of Vocal Music carried out its first overseas training program in Warsaw, Poland: the “Chopin?Gorecki Summer Festival & Course.” This marked the department’s first official collaboration with the Chopin University of Music (UMFC, Uniwersytet Muzyczny Fryderyka Chopina).

The ten selected students departed Korea on July 11^th and joined the program immediately upon arrival. Instead of struggling with jet lag, they began preparing for lessons at 3 A.M or 4 A.M., arriving in the classroom fully ready even before the 9 A.M. start time. Having been carefully chosen through fierce competition within the university, the students displayed determination and focus in both attitude and expression.

Each student received four private lessons from renowned Chopin University professors: Anna Radziejewska, Eugenia Rezler, and Anna Mikolajczyk-Niewiedział. The professors divided the students according to their expertise and individuality, providing dense, personalized instruction. Students also attended special lectures such as: stage fright training 1 - Performing under pressure, raining 2 - Stress management, training 3 - Visualization and the “final 5 minutes” strategy before going on stage. They further participated in masterclasses, ensemble training, lectures on Polish art songs and contemporary music, and other diverse programs offering a firsthand experience of European music education. On the final day, students performed at the Melcer Hall of the Chopin University during the official closing ceremony and recital, presenting their growth and learning before a local audience - a meaningful conclusion to the program.

This year also coincided with the International Chopin Competition, held every five years, one of Warsaw’s greatest festivals. From the airport to the city center, pianos were placed everywhere - on streets and in public spaces - allowing anyone to step forward, become a “poet of the piano,” and play or listen freely. Students also joined cultural and artistic activities, including: visiting Chopin’s birthplace and museum, exploring Warsaw’s historical streets marked by Chopin’s presence, attending concerts at the Royal Łazienki Park Palace, featuring performances by Chopin Competition winners and Professor K. Radziwonowicz. Through these activities, they deeply experienced Chopin’s legacy and spirit.

Dean Jung Ho Yoon of the College of Music stated: “This was more than just an overseas trip - it was a valuable experience where our students directly learned and felt the forefront of world music education. Building on this successful first exchange with the Chopin University, we will continue to foster artists who can thrive on the global stage through diverse international programs.”

Meanwhile, the Department of Vocal Music (Chair: Prof. Lee Yoon Jung) was established in 2018 as the first online-based vocal music program in Korea. It offers a balanced curriculum of theory and practice, with required major courses, diction, stage acting, and choir classes, nurturing skills suited to international stages. Students receive 1:1 private lessons and customized practical training through masterclasses.

The program also provides professional certifications such as the Level 2 Arts & Culture Educator license, Senior Vocal Instructor license, and Choral Conducting Micro-Degree. In addition, it runs international training opportunities at prestigious institutions such as the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, Gnessin Academy of Music, Chopin University of Music, and the Liszt Academy in Budapest, enhancing students’ practical abilities and global competence.

Seoul Cyber University’s Department of Vocal Music remains open to anyone with passion for singing, pioneering a new horizon in online vocal education for the modern age.