معرفی
Wonki Lee serves as Assistant Professor of Saxophone at Montana State University's School of Music within the College of Arts and Architecture. He concurrently teaches in the pre-college division at Manhattan School of Music, maintaining dual academic appointments across institutions. As a Yamaha Performing Artist, Lee performs globally with major orchestras including the Tokyo Philharmonic and Bozeman Symphony.
His research centers on saxophone repertoire evolution and pedagogical innovation. Lee's scholarly focus spans historical performance practice, vocal tract resonance mechanics, and contemporary commissioning. He actively expands saxophone literature through premieres of works by composers like Joel Love and David Maslanka, bridging academic research with performance practice.
Lee's recent publications reveal strong emphasis on American saxophone sonatas, French repertoire analysis, and acoustic principles governing tone production. His artistic output trends toward interdisciplinary projects connecting saxophone performance with vocal techniques, historical contexts, and cross-cultural collaborations—particularly between American and East Asian musical traditions.
- Dean's Excellence Award (Montana State University, 2023)
- Certificate of Excellence (Prima Volta Music Competition, 2022)
- The Helen Cohn Award (Manhattan School of Music, 2019)
- Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition Winner
- Adolphe Sax International Competition Semi-Finalist
Lee mentors students through the MSU Saxophone Studio, offering applied lessons, chamber music coaching, and entrepreneurship training. His grant activities include commissioning new works like Joel Love's saxophone concerto. Current projects feature collaborations with international orchestras and the upcoming 2025 album 'Masterpieces for the Saxophone – American Sonatas from Two Millennia'.
Based in Howard Hall 120 at MSU, Lee leads the saxophone studio while maintaining active performance schedules across Asia and North America through partnerships with Classically Connected Inc. and Price Attractions Management.
