©JAMES HOLE
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Can you name some famous classical pianists or musicians you’re familiar with?
- What do you think it takes to become a successful pianist in the music industry?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- exclusive /ik-SKLOO-siv/
- academy /uh-KAD-uh-mee/
- garner /GAHR-ner/
- continuously /kuhn-TIN-yoo-uhs-lee/
- expertise /ek-sper-TEEZ/
[adjective] – limited to a particular person, group, or entity; not shared with others
The club had an exclusive membership, allowing only a select few to join.
[noun] – an organization or institution for a particular subject or art, often for education, training, or study
She attended an academy of fine arts to improve her painting skills.
[verb] – to collect or gather something, especially information or support
The student worked hard to garner support for the school charity event.
[adverb] – without interruption or stopping, happening all the time
The machine ran continuously without any breaks, ensuring efficiency.
[noun] – specialized knowledge or skill in a particular subject or field
His expertise in computer programming allowed him to solve complex problems effortlessly.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A talented 19-year-old pianist, Yunchan Lim, often compared to K-pop in classical music circles, recently signed an exclusive deal with Decca Records in the UK. Hailing from South Korea, Yunchan’s love for the piano blossomed while listening to his mother’s music when he was a child. He began piano lessons at seven and joined the Music Academy of Seoul Arts Center a year later. His incredible talent was noticed early, and his teachers described him as a modest student. In 2022, Yunchan made headlines by winning the prestigious Van Cliburn Piano Competition in Texas, making him the youngest winner ever. His performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 has garnered over 12 million views on YouTube. Amid offers from various record companies, Yunchan decided to collaborate with the renowned British label, Decca, famous for its dedication to high-quality music.
Alongside gaining international recognition, Yunchan Lim has already released two albums featuring works by Liszt and Beethoven. His upcoming studio recording, scheduled for a spring 2024 release by Decca, has generated significant anticipation in the classical music world. Decca’s co-president, Tom Lewis, regards Yunchan as the most promising emerging classical artist on a global scale, and Decca is excited to partner with him. His extraordinary talent, nurtured from a young age, has made an enduring mark on the classical music realm, continuously astounding audiences worldwide with his musical depth and expertise.
Alongside gaining international recognition, Yunchan Lim has already released two albums featuring works by Liszt and Beethoven. His upcoming studio recording, scheduled for a spring 2024 release by Decca, has generated significant anticipation in the classical music world. Decca’s co-president, Tom Lewis, regards Yunchan as the most promising emerging classical artist on a global scale, and Decca is excited to partner with him. His extraordinary talent, nurtured from a young age, has made an enduring mark on the classical music realm, continuously astounding audiences worldwide with his musical depth and expertise.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What does the article say about Yunchan Lim’s early exposure to music, and how did he start learning to play the piano?
- Can you name the prestigious piano competition Yunchan Lim won in 2022, and what piece of music did he perform there?
- Which record label did Yunchan Lim choose to collaborate with, and what is it known for?
- What can you tell about Yunchan Lim’s upcoming studio recording, and when is it scheduled for release?
- According to Decca’s co-president, Tom Lewis, how does he describe Yunchan Lim’s potential in the classical music industry?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever felt humble despite your achievements? If so, could you share a specific experience?
- If you were a talented musician, would you prefer to sign with a renowned label like Decca Records or choose a different path for your music career? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that humility is an important quality for a successful artist like Yunchan Lim?
- How do you think Yunchan Lim’s indelible mark on classical music will influence aspiring musicians?
- What qualities do you believe are essential for achieving mastery in any field, and how might Yunchan’s journey reflect these qualities?