Dongsok Shin is a Musician of New York.

A lover of early keyboard instruments, Dongsok plays the harpsichord, fortepiano, and organ. As a harpsichordist, he freelances and performs in his long-time ensemble REBEL. Dongsok is also a recording engineer and the tuner and technician for many harpsichords across the city, including the two at the Metropolitan Opera. His YouTube videos demonstrating the world’s oldest piano on display at the Met Museum have over a quarter million views. But perhaps his most impressive feat as a New Yorker is that he’s been living in the same Upper West Side apartment since 1976, where his three roommates were eventually replaced by his wife, three children, and two cats.

“For most freelancers it’s a tough call. I’ve always managed because I have interests in other things and can balance off the fact that I’m not working as a performer all the time. Pretty much everything I do involves music directly. In terms of actually playing, it’s a very busy third, but I limit myself by only playing early music. But I’m happy with the balance of life. We had three kids in New York City and most of our friends left and wanted to go to suburbia. I thought, ‘why’d you do that?’ I’ve always felt that New York was home. If I’m away and I fly back, I still get excited when I see the skyline.” #MusiciansofNY

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#MusiciansofNY tells the stories of the working union musicians of New York, with posts about a new musician every Wednesday! Find more Musicians of New York stories here.