Boston Academy of Korean Traditional Arts
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In every rhythm of the drum
and every step of the dance,
​tradition breathes again.
Tradition is not behind us –
it moves with us,
​in rhythm, breath, and imagination.

Registration Is Now Open for Fall/Winter 2026–27

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Fall/Winter 2026-27 Registration
Fall/Winter 2026–27 Semester
October 3, 2026 to January 31, 2027

​*Weekly lessons with private instructors
Students meet one-on-one with their instructor each week, with lessons tailored to their level and interests.
*Semester Showcase & Gathering
At the end of the semester, we come together for an evening of student performances. Students share what they have been working on, and our faculty offer encouragement and feedback in a warm, supportive setting. It is a chance to connect with teachers and fellow students across all disciplines.
The gathering takes the place of the final lesson of the semester. Optional, for students who wish to participate. For participating students, the showcase takes the place of the final lesson of the semester, and a small participation fee is paid to BAKTA, separate from lesson tuition.

2026–27 가을/겨울 학기
2026년 10월 3일 ~ 2027년 1월 31일


*주 1회 개인 레슨
전담 강사와 매주 일대일로 만나 각자의 수준과 관심에 맞춘 레슨을 받습니다.

*학기말 발표회 및 모임
학기 마지막에는 학생들이 한 학기 동안 익힌 것을 발표하는 자리를 마련합니다. 여러 선생님들의 격려와 피드백을 들으며, 다른 분야의 선생님과 학생들과도 함께 어울리는 따뜻한 시간입니다. 이 모임은 학기 마지막 주 레슨을 대신합니다.
​희망자에 한해 참여하며, 소정의 참가비는 레슨비와 별도로 BAKTA에 납부합니다.
Class Types:
Private
Gayageum (Korean zither) 
 
In this class, students develop repertoire including minyo (Korean traditional folk songs) and sanjo – a virtuosic instrumental solo genre built on rhythmic cycles and expressive melodic variation – while learning fundamental techniques such as sigimsae (ornamentation) and plucking, along with an understanding of the instrument’s structure.

Ajaeng (Korean bowed zither)
Students learn traditional ajaeng on the sanjo ajaeng (horizontal so-ajaeng). This class focuses on traditional Korean music repertoire and is taught by ear, passing music directly from teacher to student.
​

Piri (Korean double-reed wind instrument)
Students learn the fundamentals of piri performance, including breath control, tone production, articulation, and traditional ornamentation (sigimsae). The piri is one of the most prominent wind instruments in Korean traditional music and is known for having a tone that closely resembles the human voice. Students will learn to shape musical phrases through breath and explore how to express traditional folk melodies in a singing, vocal-like manner while studying basic repertoire from Korean traditional music.

Group / Semi-Private
Korean Traditional Dance​
Students learn the essential movements and breathing of Korean traditional dance and apply them in Hwagwanmu (a traditional Korean court dance performed with a floral crown) and in learning the drum rhythms of Samgomu (a Korean drum dance performed with three drums).
*Private lessons for Korean traditional dance are available. Teacher approval is required before registration.
​

​Workshops
Janggu (hourglass-shaped Korean traditional percussion) 
This class focuses on the classic samulnori repertoire composed by Kim Duk Soo, the creator of this aesthetic, along with creative and practical variations used in various musical settings.
​
Minyo (Korean traditional folk songs)
Students learn to sing minyo (traditional folk songs) from the Gyeonggi and Seodo regions of Korea – Gyeonggi centered around Seoul, and Seodo referring to northwestern regions of Korea such as Pyeongan Province and Hwanghae Province (now in North Korea). The class focuses on melody and sigimsae (ornamentation) and is taught by ear.

​Danso (Korean bamboo flute)
Students learn the basic techniques of the danso, including breath control, tone production, articulation, and traditional ornamentation (sigimsae). The danso is a Korean traditional wind instrument known for its clear and gentle tone, and its performance emphasizes shaping musical phrases through breath. Students will learn simple traditional melodies while developing a singing, expressive approach through breath and phrasing.

*Special Workshops in Samulnori, Pansori, Korean Traditional Dance, and Improvisation with BAKTA faculty and guest artists. Details to be announced.
​Tuition & Payment:
​

Payment options (per lesson, monthly, or by semester) can be arranged directly with the instructor.
​

– Gayageum (Private Lesson at a Private Studio in Newton)
45min $70 ($1,050 per semester, 15 lessons)
60min $90 ($1,350 per semester, 15 lessons)
*Payment to Kyungsun Kim (Venmo ID: @KyungsunKim)

– Ajaeng (Private Lesson at a Private Studio in Somerville)
 
45min $70 ($1,050 per semester, 15 lessons)
60min $90 ($1,350 per semester, 15 lessons)
*Payment to Yoona Kim (Venmo ID: @Yoona-Kim-10)


– Piri (Private Lesson at a Private Studio in Somerville)
   
45min $70 ($1,050 per semester, 15 lessons)
60min $90 ($1,350 per semester, 15 lessons)
*Payment to Yeun Jang (via Zelle)


– Korean Traditional Dance (Semi-Private, Group, Private at a Dance Studio in Allston)
​
60min Private $105 ($1,365 per semester) – *Please obtain teacher approval before registering
60min Semi-private (2 students) $60 per student ($900 per semester, 15 lessons)
60min Group (3 or more) $50 per student ($750 per semester, 15 lessons)
*Payment to Hanna Lee (Venmo ID: @ Hanna-Lee-97)

– Group Workshops: Minyo, Janggu, Danso, and More, with BAKTA Faculty and Guest Artists
Location: Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave, Somerville, MA
Dates and times: To be announced
Workshop fee: Free or a small fee, depending on the workshop. Details to be announced.
*Payment to Mina Cho (Venmo ID: @ Mina-Cho-6) / Or Personal Check to BAKTA
​

*Kindly select “friend” or “personal payment” to avoid extra fees.
Please do not mark it as goods or services on Venmo or Zelle.
​
*Instrument Rental:

Instruments (Janggu, Gayageum, Ajaeng) will be available for rental at the Academy. 
Gayageum, Ajaeng: $35 per month ($140 for the 2026–27 Fall/Winter Semester), plus a $100 refundable deposit
​Janggu: $15 per month ($60 for the 2026–27 Fall/Winter Semester), plus a $50 refundable deposit

*Registration Period: 
September 15 - October 1
$25 non-refundable registration fee for a new student 


*Instrument Rental and Registration Fees:
Payment may be made to Mina-Cho-6 (Venmo) or BAKTA (via check).
Mailing address: Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave, Somerville, MA 02114 (Attn: Mina Cho, BAKTA)


*Registration Process:

1. Fill out online form Registration Link
2. Pay by Venmo, Zelle, or Check
– Gayageum: to Kyungsun Kim (click here for a Venmo payment)
– Ajaeng: to Yoona Kim (click here for a Venmo payment) 
– Piri: to Yeyun Jang (click here for a Zelle payment)
– Korean Traditional Dance: to Hanna Lee (click here for a Venmo payment)
– Group Lessons (Minyo, Janggu, Danso) Held at SCBC: to BAKTA (via check) or Mina Cho (via Venmo: click here for a Venmo payment)


– Janggu & Minyo Classes, Instrumental Rental and Registration Fees:
By Venmo: send payment to "Mina-Cho-6" and include your (student's) full name with Venmo transfer.  Email us at "[email protected]" to confirm that the transaction corresponds with your registration. 

By check: Mail instrument rental fee + $25 non-refundable registration fee for a new student) made to ​
Boston Academy of Korean Traditional Arts (or BAKTA).

*Kindly select “friend” or “personal payment” to avoid extra fees. Please do not mark it as goods or services on Venmo or Zelle.
​

– Mailing Address:
Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave, Somerville, MA 02114 (Attn: Mina Cho, BAKTA)
*Include notes: Student's full name, Boston Academy KTA instrument (specify the instrument) rental fee (or BAKTA instrument rental fee) + $25 Registration Fee (for a new student).
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Tradition • Motion • Transformation​

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