Academy Student Spotlight: Edie Park
July 7th, 2025
"Music has introduced me to some of the most inspiring people I know and opened doors I never imagined. It’s more than a passion—it’s a community that continues to shape my life."
From the moment Edie Park first heard the third movement of Mozart’s Piano Sonata No. 11, K. 331 (“Turkish March”) as a toddler, she was captivated. “I played the recording on repeat for years,” she says, “and that early fascination eventually led me to start piano lessons.”
Now 16, Edie has studied piano for ten years. She spent eight of those years in the Music Institute of Chicago’s Community Music School, beginning in the Suzuki program with Dr. Christina Tio and later studying with Winston Choi. This year, she has completed her first year in the Academy, where she is now co-taught by Marta Aznavoorian and Winston Choi.
Edie’s decision to audition for the Academy was sparked by a chance encounter. “Several years ago, I happened to be in the same room as a chamber group that was rehearsing,” she says. “I was inspired by how they were bouncing ideas off of one another and genuinely enjoying making music together. I instantly knew I wanted to be one of them.” Since then, she attended nearly every Academy chamber and orchestra concert until she eventually auditioned herself.
“Coming to the Academy was an eye-opening experience—seeing advanced musicians’ consistent hard work and passion every Saturday was incredibly inspiring. I also appreciate the Academy’s well-rounded curriculum, which includes theory, piano classes, and enrichment courses. This year, I got to perform Lieder for the first time and learned so much about music history!”
Her years in the Community Music School helped prepare her for this transition. “Her [Dr. Tio’s] group class trained me to listen deeply to others’ playing and practice articulating my musical ideas verbally, which built the foundation for me to be successful in Academy chamber rehearsals. Another thing Dr. Tio always emphasized during group classes was to be respectful to other musicians. I found this to be essential as a chamber musician.”
Edie’s musical journey includes several standout accomplishments. In 2024, she won the Chicago Chamber Music Festival Concerto Competition, leading to her orchestral debut performing Beethoven’s Concerto No. 3 with the Northeastern Illinois University Orchestra. In spring 2025, she was featured on WFMT’s Introductions—a particularly meaningful milestone for Edie, who has been a dedicated listener and supporter of the station, even donating her competition prize money during annual membership drives.
This fall, she will perform Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, Op. 80 with the Fox Valley Orchestra and Choir, marking another major opportunity to perform as a soloist with the orchestra and a full choir.
Beyond her performances, Edie is dedicated to using music as a force for good. As the new Executive Director of Musicians for Hope, she leads the student-run nonprofit that provides resources to underfunded music programs in Chicago public schools. Last year, she launched a partnership with WFMT’s Bach to School program, helping to raise $9,600 during the station’s Spring Membership Drive supplying instruments and educational materials to eight schools.
More recently, Musicians for Hope delivered guitars, keyboards, a drum set, and an amplifier to Gale Elementary Community Academy in Rogers Park, after a successful fundraising concert at Nichols Hall on May 18, where they raised over $3,000.
"Bringing music to the community is deeply important to me because I know from firsthand experience how music can change one’s life. Being neurodivergent, I often struggle to navigate a society that is built for neurotypical people. However, music–a universal language–has always been a tool for me to connect with other people and express myself."
She is currently working toward her Girl Scout Gold Award by building an instrument library at Gale Elementary so students can check out instruments, build regular practice habits, and gain confidence through music. She also continues to perform regularly at Sunrise Senior Living in Lincoln Park, using music to connect with residents in memory care.
Outside of her musical pursuits, Edie is an avid history enthusiast and researcher. She volunteers at the Chicago History Museum, conducts independent research recognized by National History Day, and interns at Harlan J. Berk Ltd., working hands-on with ancient coins, artifacts, and historical documents. She also serves as the upcoming News Editor for her school newspaper, The Forum, combining her love of storytelling with a curiosity for the world around her.
