Author(s) :

Hajin Kim.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study reviews how violin training is framed in many East Asian cultural contexts, where it is seen as a pathway to academic and social success rather than a purely artistic or leisurely hobby. Through these contexts, music education is closely tied to broader values of discipline, achievement, and status. The purpose of this study is to analyze how violin study functions as a strategic investment in a child’s education, identity formation, and the accumulation of cultural capital. Using a qualitative approach, this study draws on existing scholarly literature and anecdotal accounts to examine patterns in parental expectations and student experiences. The findings suggest that violin training is often shaped by extrinsic motivations, such as college admissions and social distinction, over intrinsic enjoyment. This can build tensions in the child’s relationship with music, shifting the focus towards performance and outcomes. As a result, many children experience pressure that in some cases, creates tension within family relationships. These findings are significant because they highlight how cultural values can influence students’ emotional and psychological practices. By reframing music as a form of cultural capital, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of how success is constructed and pursued in an East Asian cultural framework, while also raising important questions about the long-term impact of achievement-driven musical training.