Reason and Rhythm: A Philosophy of Sound
Student Snapshot: Taeyun “Eric” Han ’28
Taeyun “Eric” Han '28 is a philosophy and music major from Seoul, South Korea, who values Dickinson’s emphasis on independent, analytical thinking. He sees his study of philosophy as a means to cultivates rational, open-minded inquiry and music-making as a pathway toward beauty, expression and self-knowledge.
Hometown:
Seoul, South Korea.
High school:
American Global Prep School.
Major:
Philosophy and music.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
"At Dickinson, I’m encouraged to think analytically and critically. I love how Dickinson inspires me to think independently and challenges me to incorporate original approaches and solutions. I believe this is what education should be like."
Best thing about my major:
Philosophy challenges everyday assumptions and beliefs about our world. By re-examining beliefs that we often take for granted, philosophy allows us to construct a deeply rational worldview, helping us to cultivate open-mindedness and a broader perception of the world. Most important, philosophy gives us insights into a variety of subjects, including neuroscience, physics, law and biomedicine, as different areas of philosophy broadly overlap with almost all academic subjects. For these reasons, I firmly believe that philosophy helps us to become thoughtful and reasonable in any area of inquiry we might encounter in life.
Music helps me to visualize and express highly abstract mental states in a concrete way. In like manner, I believe that performing music helps me to understand my inner states better, in addition to allowing me to see the world around me in a more beautiful way. For me, music is the most transcendental language. It adds to the beauty and value of our everyday spoken language.
Favorite professor:
Professor of Music Jennifer Blyth is my favorite professor because she finds a perfect balance between giving me professional feedback and allowing me to fully develop my own musical ideas. With great care, Professor Blyth offers concise yet well-structured responses to my musical performances, making deeper understanding of the music easier.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
I really enjoyed performing some of my original piano compositions during Noonday Concerts at Dickinson. I hope to share more of my music with the community as I continue to learn.
On choosing Dickinson:
I just knew that Dickinson was the right place for me when I learned about its vibrant and inquisitive community.
Favorite class:
Keys to Music 3: The Enlightenment, taught Jennifer Blyth and Greg Strohman, contributing faculty in music. I learned how to analyze classical works using formal musical methods. As I prepare to be a TA for MUAC 126 next spring semester, I am looking forward to taking more music theory classes.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Dickinson merit scholarship and Dean's List.
Clubs and organizations:
Dickinson Philosophy Collective, Korean Student Association and the Dickinson Music Society
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Published July 7, 2026