In this special episode, created by one of our student podcast fellows, NYU student Rachel Fang interviews Dr. Matthew Pellegrino, a composer, music educator, and professor at the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Korean culture is everywhere, and with the recent success of Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters, K-pop’s importance in particular has taken on new heights. Rachel speaks with Dr. Pellegrino about his musical upbringing, how his Korean identity has shaped the way he hears and thinks about music, and how this all influences his teaching as an NYU professor.

Dr. Matthew Jihoon Pellegrino is an award-winning composer, Fulbright researcher, and music educator. He has enjoyed an eclectic musical upbringing; one which combines Western classical, traditional Korean music, and a brief stint in a metal band. Uncompromising in his work, Pellegrino seeks to create music that engages equally with casual audiences as well as the most serious of listeners. In his research and his music he most enjoys bringing Korean music into the classroom and concert hall by exploring Korean instruments and folk melodies, and analyzing trends in recent K-pop songs.

For a full transcript of this episode, please email career.communications@nyu.edu.