May 13, 2025

Eugenia Cho (MM ’25), Orchestral Violin, is this year’s student commencement speaker on May 22.

We spoke to Eugenia before the MSM Commencement ceremony about her time at MSM, her parting words for her class, and what she would like to tell her younger self.

The student commencement speaker selection process includes open nominations by the graduating class, followed by a short interview of the potential candidates with MSM Dean of Students Monica Christensen and Director of Student Engagement Jesse Goldberg. The final decision is made by the executive board of the Student Government Association.

ABOUT EUGENIA

Eugenia Cho is a Michigan native who began playing the violin at the age of six. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Orchestral Violin Performance at Manhattan School of Music, studying under Lisa Kim and David Chan. Eugenia earned her Bachelor’s degree in Violin Performance from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, where she studied with David Halen. Prior to this, she attended the University of Michigan’s String Preparatory Academy under the mentorship of Stephen Shipps.

A passionate advocate for orchestral music, Eugenia has held concertmaster and principal positions with numerous ensembles, including the Spoleto Music Festival, Manhattan Symphony Orchestra, University of Michigan Symphony Orchestra and Campus Symphony Orchestra, as well as four consecutive seasons with the Michigan All-State and Honors Orchestras. She has had the privilege of collaborating with renowned musicians such as Leonard Slatkin (Detroit Symphony Orchestra), JoAnn Falletta (Buffalo Philharmonic), Wynton Marsalis (Jazz at Lincoln Center), Oriol Sans (University of Wisconsin-Madison), and Dr. Larry Livingston (University of Southern California).

Eugenia’s summer music festival experience includes fellowships at the Idyllwild Chamber Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, and National Repertory Orchestra. She is currently a violinist with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and regularly substitutes with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to her performing career, Eugenia began offering private violin lessons in Novi, Michigan in 2018. Today, she extends her lessons both in-person and online, providing comprehensive, engaging instruction to students of all levels. A dedicated teacher, she takes great joy in helping students build both their technical skills and self-confidence. Understanding that each student has a unique learning style, Eugenia tailors her approach to meet individual needs, fostering an environment where students thrive.

Through the transformative power of classical music, Eugenia aims to touch hearts and inspire others, starting with her students and extending to every audience she plays for.

How do you feel about being this year’s student commencement speaker?

Eugenia: I’m incredibly honored to be this year’s commencement speaker—truly, it still doesn’t feel real. I honestly never expected to be chosen; I always thought it would go to someone more extroverted or naturally well-spoken. But I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and hope to make my friends, mentors, and advisors proud. This moment means everything, and I’m excited (and a little nervous) to share it with all of you.

What is your most memorable MSM moment?

Eugenia: There are so many memorable moments from my time at MSM, but the most recent one that stands out was the day my quartet (go ūva!) found out we won second prize in the Ruth Widder Competition at MSM. Three of us were on a girl walk in Central Park, obsessively refreshing our emails, when the results finally came in. I literally screamed—like, full-volume, no warning—and immediately called our fourth member so we could all read it together. My scream temporarily deafened the other two (sorry!) and probably startled half of Central Park, but it was totally worth it.

What do you love about the Orchestral Performance (OP) violin program at MSM? 

Eugenia: What makes the OP violin program so special to me is the incredible mentorship and that it’s a tight-knit group. Lisa and David have played such a huge role in my growth—they’ve challenged and supported me in ways that have truly transformed my playing exponentially. I also really appreciate how small the studio is; even though there are only five of us (and only three last year!) and I don’t always get to see everyone, I’m constantly awestruck by their talent, dedication, and artistry. It’s inspiring to learn from them during rep class and orchestra, and I feel genuinely lucky to be part of this little group.

What piece of advice would you give to anyone starting MSM in the fall?

Eugenia: My advice to anyone starting at MSM in the fall is: don’t be afraid to take up space. Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you a little. Trust your instincts, advocate for yourself, and remember that your voice and presence matter here. It’s easy to compare yourself, but everyone’s path is different—focus on growing for yourself, not proving to others. And most importantly, find your people and hold them close—they’ll be your home-away-from-home.

What would you tell your freshman self?

Eugenia: I’d tell my freshman self to stop worrying about what people are going to think—because the truth is, they’re going to think it no matter what you do. If you want something, don’t wait for others and just go for it, and do it for you. You’re more capable than you realize, and you can absolutely make things happen. The right people, the ones who are meant to be in your life, will stick around—you don’t have to chase them. Just trust yourself and go.

What are your parting words to your class?

Eugenia: To my incredible class: we did it—and I’m so proud of us. Through all the chaos, late nights, rehearsals, mocks, breakdowns, breakthroughs, and everything in between, we made it here together. I hope we all carry the joy, weirdness, resilience, and heart that got us through MSM into whatever comes next. Keep rooting for each other, keep creating boldly, and don’t forget: we slaytandra-ed •ᴗ•

What are you looking forward to after graduation? Any fun summer plans?

Eugenia: After graduation, I’m looking forward to soaking in some much-needed sun and fun. I’ll be heading to Vancouver a couple of times—once for an audition and again for a short festival—and I’m excited to explore a new city and enjoy the nature out there. Other than that, I’ll be staying in NYC fully embracing a Side Quest Summer—whatever that ends up looking like!

Watch the MSM Commencement 2025 here: