A living tradition.
A living tradition.
“Tradition is both a heritage to preserve and a living art that continues to evolve.”
“Tradition is both a heritage to preserve and a living art that continues to evolve.”
ARTIST BIO
Suwan Choi (최수완) is a Chicago-based Korean traditional performing artist and educator whose practice is grounded in samulnori, pungmul, and Korean traditional percussion. Rhythm is the foundation of his work: a way of listening, responding, and building a shared experience between performers and audiences.
Rooted in the techniques and musical knowledge of Korean performing arts, he approaches tradition as a living practice. Through improvisation and contemporary interpretation, he explores how familiar rhythms can take on new meaning while remaining connected to their origins.
His artistic interests extend across traditional performance, contemporary creation, collaboration, and education. In collaborative settings, Korean rhythm becomes an active musical language in dialogue with other practices. In teaching, he emphasizes understanding through direct experience, attentive listening, and the collective act of making music.
PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS
Korean Performing Arts Institute of Chicago, KPAC
Artistic Director
Northern Illinois University
Korean Drumming Ensemble Instructor
EDUCATION
Wonkwang Digital University Bachelor’s degree of Arts in Korean Traditional Performing Arts, 2012
Northern Illinois University Master’s degree of Music in World Music, 2021
SELECTED PERFORMANCES
2026 Chuseok Family Festival by KCCDC
National Museum of Asian Art, Washington, DC
2026 A Celebration of Korean Music, Oberlin College, Ohio
2025 National Folk Festival, Jackson, Mississippi
2025 Hyde Park Jazz Festival
2022 AIRMW presents: Suwan Choi and Jeff Chan at Elastic Arts
TEACHING
2026 Korean drumming workshop, Oberlin College, Ohio
AWARDS / GRANTS / FELLOWSHIP
2022 Individual Artist Support Grant,
Illinois Arts Council Agency
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