Hi Noella, how are you?
Hello, Terrell. I’m doing well. Thank you for offering this interview.
The interview is my pleasure. Before we start, please share a little about yourself with the readers.
I am Noella Jung, residing in Seoul, Korea. My professional roles include violinist, writer, lecturer, lyricist, producer, director, and actress. 
After obtaining your degrees in Korea, what motivated you to pursue further education in the United States?
I started playing the violin when I was about five years old, and my violin teacher then thought I should be raised as a violinist. My career was decided by the time I reached fourth grade. From then on, I was trained to be a concert violinist, and going abroad was a natural path to pursue that goal. Many Korean/Asian musicians have followed similar paths.
What inspired your decision to pursue a career in music as you matured, rather than an alternate career choice?
My teacher, Mr. James Buswell from the New England Conservatory, always told me that I should become a violinist and a musician and go beyond and become an artist. That concept has always been in my mind, and that’s what I always try to be. There are many ways to express oneself: through music, painting, writing, dancing, acting, and so on. Playing music is one of the mediums through which I express myself, although I am stretching quite a bit more these days.
How did the concept of merging music with visuals come about?
I was conversing with my father, who is an art lover and paints himself, though he was never into classical music. It was my mom who wished for me to become a violinist. One day, my father told me about Monet and how he captured moments in his paintings, which came to be known as impressionism. At that moment, I could draw a connection with music and explained to him that in classical music, there is an impressionistic composer named Debussy who also captured moments in his compositions. This caught his interest, and we talked about expressionism and other art movements.
From that conversation, I realized it was a great way to introduce classical music to art lovers. So, I started writing articles for an art and culture magazine, pairing 24 artists, which I later published as a book. This book, A Moment When Painting is Audible, and Music is Visible, became a bestseller on its first release day, and I was invited to lecture about it. As a musician and writer focused on music and art, I transformed these lectures into lecture concerts, combining art and music on one stage.
Which accomplishments have you been most proud of?
My first significant accomplishment was the book A Moment When Painting is Audible and Music is Visible, “I must say.” This book remained a steady seller for quite a long time and was even translated into Chinese and published in China. I eventually wrote the second
volume, which also became a bestseller. Now, the new edition of all 59 pairs is published under the title Soul’s Duet. My lecture concerts also have received acclaim, leading to invitations to perform at various prestigious venues, including Samsung, Posco, and the Korean presidential residence, the Blue House. I also created a classical music show called “My Dinner with Noella,” which premiered at Sejong Art Center. In this show, I combined filmmaking with violin performance on stage, accompanied by various artworks. I was fortunate that the show was sold out and made a good impression on the performing arts scene in Korea, which led to an invitation to perform at TEDx.
Additionally, the show was selected as a ‘stage tune-up project’ by CJ Group, where I gave 13 concerts in 11 days, achieving a record of all tickets being sold out. This earned me the title of “Pioneer of Art Collaboration.” I have also written lyrics for many K-pop stars and movies and produced a music video for the PyeongChang Olympic Campaign song.
My other works include two violin albums, four books, approximately 200 concerts (including lecture concerts), and seven short films. I have also been writing columns for newspapers and magazines for over 10 years. 
What is the demographic of your fan base?
My fan base is quite diverse, ranging from music enthusiasts to art lovers, book readers, and concertgoers. I am grateful for the support from people who appreciate the fusion of different art forms and the stories I tell through my work.
Have you performed in any other countries? If not, which ones would you choose?
Yes, I’ve played in the US and Canada. I once had a tour in Chicago, where you are based. I also performed in Vienna when I was very young. I have another performance coming up in LA this fall.
Do you have any projects in the works right now?
I am working on an exciting project called Alchemy in Venice with producer/director Jon Fitzgerald, co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival. The project debuted as a book, and we plan to produce it as a feature film once we secure the necessary funding. The story revolves around a violinist named Sua and two other characters living in Venice, Los Angeles, exploring how they transform art, music, and their lives. I will be portraying Sua, with Jon directing the film. The book is online now; we would welcome your readers to support our efforts to bring this story to the big screen by purchasing the book through our website. We also offer limited editions with upcycled book covers made from recycled plastic. Additionally, we are hosting an event in LA where I will be signing books and performing on the violin. If you’re in LA, we would love for you to join us.
What inspired you to become an actress who writes and directs her movies?
It was just a natural path as a writer and producer who wanted to become an actor. At the beginning of my acting career, I auditioned for various roles, but then COVID hit, and all the projects, including yours, stopped. But I had already decided to stretch my acting career, so I started looking for other ways to make it happen. At that time, my acting coach suggested that I write scripts tailored for myself, and that’s how I embarked on creating my film projects.
What awards or recognition have you received for your work?
Yes, I have. I’ve received 14 Best Actress awards, 4 Best Director awards, and 2 Inspirational Film awards, along with Best Script, Best Mobile Film, Best Experimental Film, and more.
In what way did these achievements make you feel?
I was truly grateful. Honestly, I never expected such awards, so it was a wonderful surprise, especially the most recent one, A Rhetorical Question. I made it from A to Z, wearing all the production hats. I shot it with my smartphone, edited it myself, and wrote and acted in it. This project alone has won 19 awards. 
Is directing a feature film your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to express art freely. The medium doesn’t matter to me. I wish to express myself without limitations in various ways. That’s one reason why I enjoy acting in my scripts.
What do you find challenging and rewarding about the creative process of film versus music?
Since I’m not a composer, comparing the two directly is hard. However, as a violinist and an actor, I don’t find much difference in performing. Both require certain techniques, memory, and expression. When it comes to “what” to express, film can be more specific, whereas music, especially absolute music without a storyline or lyrics, can be more abstract.
Regarding the creative process, I must say that creativity, regardless of the genre, often requires solitude. It’s in those quiet moments that true inspiration and innovation can flourish.
I admire you on so many levels. Many people lose their creative spark when reality doesn’t align with their vision, leading them to abandon their goals.
Thank you for saying that. You must seek an alternative route to continue your journey if the road you’re on isn’t taking you in the right direction, and most importantly, you must have faith that you will succeed but by your standards of success.
Who do you consider to be your biggest supporter?
I can’t name just one person because, given my various roles, I have so many supporters across different industries. I’m very grateful for all of them. However, I do want to mention Jon Fitzgerald, who I’m currently working with on “Alchemy in Venice,” for his deep understanding of my script and contribution to developing it.
“Alchemy in Venice” was initially written by me under a different title. When Jon got involved and learned more about my life and work in music and art, he suggested incorporating more of my personal story into the screenplay. He also proposed expanding the narrative to include themes of upcycling and sustainability. The story turned out beautifully, and I genuinely believe in its power. Most importantly, Jon is also someone who never stops searching and thinking.
Can you tell us briefly about Jon and how you met?
Jon co-founded the Slamdance Film Festival and ran it for 3 years, and he was the Festival Director at the American Film Institute. We met through his masterclass called ” Film Festival Mastery.”
According to someone I once knew, loving an artist requires a special love. Do you agree with that statement?
I wouldn’t say it requires a “special kind” of love, but I believe a relationship with an artist comes with different expectations. Artists often need significant periods of solitude and independence to immerse themselves in their creativity. It is most appreciated when their partner understands and respects this aspect of their nature. 
Some people begin with great ideas but lose enthusiasm along the way. Can you guide someone hesitating to complete a creative project due to a fear of rejection?
Interestingly, you mention this, as it aligns with the theme of my recent lecture concert. I would be delighted to share the entire story with you.
First, you need to ask yourself if there is anything you genuinely need to improve. If you find it so, you must focus on working harder and improving yourself. However, you should not be ashamed if you believe you have done your best. Perhaps it just isn’t the right fit, not meant to be. Often, it’s a matter of finding the right person and timing. I think the key is to identify and understand your fear. Fear is not external; it resides within you. Once you recognize this, it becomes easier to manage.
Is there anything else you wish to include?
Thank you for allowing me to share my story with all the readers. I hope you all find your paths filled with inspiration and passion, and I look forward to crossing paths with you along the way.
Please come and experience “Alchemy in Venice,” a story of three artists discovering their journeys and transforming into something more significant. This narrative also mirrors my personal growth and evolution. I would be honored to have you join me on this inspirational journey. Thank you very much!
I appreciate your friendship and am excited about the prospect of working together. How can those interested in collaborating or viewing your work get in touch with you?
Email violinoella@hotmail.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/noella_rt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/violinoellart/
IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm11148145/?ref_=tt_ov_dr
Filmfreeway: (Noella’s Films): https://filmfreeway.com/NoellaJung
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@violinistnoella
To purchase the books:
Alchemy in Venice (Amazon): https://a.co/d/4PXM1es
Alchemy in Venice Official Site (Special edition can be purchased here): http://www.alchemyinvenice.com
