Despite the mind numbing routine approach to education in public schools, South Korea places a lot of emphasis on the development of musical talents. After school programs allow children to learn to play all types of instruments, ranging from the classical to modern. Malli is learning to play the piano, and ukulele. The teaching of recorder and other small instruments is done routinely in all elementary schools.
With the presence of a staggering number of private institutions, which I talked about in my previous video, kids here run around neighborhoods with guitars, violins and tubas, as these are easy to carry. For other heavy duty instruments such as cellos and drums, the schools have room to store.
It is surprising that on average, fine arts and musical education tends to be regarded as a lesser form of potential employment and income potential, seeing how there seems to be a shortage in these particular professions.
This was Mallis first recital, to a very small audience, and a very small number of songs. But I am glad that she did not shy away from it and did not seem to be in the least intimidated.
