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Rebanks Fellow Emily Kruspe Looks Back on a Rewarding Year

Rebanks Fellow Emily Kruspe Looks Back on a Rewarding Year

Published on September 19, 2018

Rebanks Fellow Emily Kruspe Looks Back on a Rewarding Year

Violinist Emily Kruspe is no stranger to success. The 26-year-old artist, recently named the newest member of the award-winning Rolston String Quartet, also made this year’s CBC 30 Under 30 list.In the same month that Emily joined the Rolston String Quartet, she completed her music studies at The Royal Conservatory’s Glenn Gould School (GGS). She was among group of six artists from around the world selected for the 2017-18 Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Performance Residency Program. This one-year, full-scholarship program offers private study with exceptional faculty and guest artists, concert presentations, career coaching, marketing training, as well as a funded European residency.

As a Rebanks Fellow, Emily’s days typically included lessons, practice, and working with a collaborative pianist. Mornings often started with lessons in Alexander Technique, a well-known discipline among musicians that promotes healthy movement and body awareness.

Emily reconnected with her undergraduate violin teacher, Erika Raum, during her year as a Rebanks Fellow, noting it as a highlight of her studies at GGS. And as an emerging artist, she was grateful to have the chance to make recordings. “I really enjoyed the recording opportunities the Rebanks Fellows were given - a video recording in Koerner Hall, and an audio recording at the Glenn Gould Studio. They taught me about stamina, focus and interpretation.”

The Rebanks Family Fellowship Program is the only program of its kind in Canada, offering a rich curriculum for career development for artists on the verge of a professional career. “The support that the Fellows receive from the school and staff is tremendous and unbelievably helpful. You will be able to focus entirely on your self-growth and attitude towards music.” She adds: “I would highly recommend it.”

Applications for The Rebanks Fellowship Program open in October.

The Royal Conservatory is grateful to the Rebanks Family and The W. Garfield Weston Foundation who have made The Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Performance Residency Program possible through their generous support.

The Glenn Gould School is also supported by funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage through the Canada Arts Training Fund, and from the Ontario Arts Council.