Congratulations to Schulich Professor Jinjoo Cho, one of McGill’s 18 new William Dawson Scholars! Awarded annually, the William Dawson Scholar award recognizes a scholar developing into an outstanding and original research of world-class calibre who is poised to become a leader in their field. Its rank parallels that of a Canada Research Chair Tier 2.
Read the full list of new William Dawson Scholars here.
In celebration of her new achievement, we asked Prof. Cho a few questions via email:
Where do your research interests lie?
My academic research is focused on the relationship of musical timbre and rhythm in violin technique and its pedagogy. Violinistic timbre is manipulated with mobility, dexterity, and flexibility of right and left hands. Combined with rhythmic nuance/inflection, the violinistic timbre can reach a new realm of sound imagination. Current pedagogy of violin technique is often focused on the execution of notes and their consistency/stability. By researching the methodology on rhythm/timbre relationship, the violin technique can be learned and taught in a way that is not only a product of pure integrity and diligence, but also a range of creative choices that one makes based on intellectual and interpretive decisions.
How do your experiences as a multi-faceted artist (soloist, chamber musician, teacher, artistic director, and published writer) influence your research?
The privilege of having a variety of artistic activities means that I'm able to apply the topics of my research in many different situations. Each performance and collaboration bring something new into the light and I'm immensely grateful for every opportunity.
What excites you most about being a William Dawson Scholar?
It is such a great honor to be named a William Dawson Scholar alongside fellow professors of the McGill community. It is surreal to see that artistic research is honored the same way as ground-breaking scientific discoveries are celebrated, which I think is a noble message to deliver to our students as well. I feel incredibly proud to be a part of a university where ideas are celebrated as much as facts.
Two more of our professors were recently awarded research chairs! Read more about them.
