Stories

When she was 6, she began taking piano lessons with the RCM and following the Certificate Program. She then studied at the Oscar Peterson School of Music where her tremendous natural ability, imagination, and passion for music developed swiftly.

Hailed by The New York Times as “a pianist who makes every note count”, Royal Conservatory alumnus Jan Lisiecki began playing piano at the age of five in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He would make his orchestral debut just four years later, all the while rebuffing the label of ‘child prodigy’.

Brimming with boisterous enthusiasm, violinist Danny Koo says applying to The Rebanks Family Fellowship Program was one of the best decisions he has ever made. 

Mezzo-soprano Georgia Burashko has performed non-stop during her time as a Rebanks Fellow, though she feels she’s barely scratched the surface of the opportunities available to her.

Having the opportunity to collaborate and coach with a wide variety of musicians in a wide range of settings has been one of the most valuable benefits of the program for violinist Katya Poplyansky.

For pianist Kevin Ahfat, participating in The Rebanks Family Fellowship Program felt like coming home. 

Percussionist Nikki Joshi came to The Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Residency Program with a very strong artistic point of view. She is dedicated to performing contemporary music, and confesses her taste tends toward the avant-garde.

Nofar Yacobi derived a great deal of satisfaction from her time as a Rebanks Fellow in The Royal Conservatory's Glenn Gould School. Watch her reflect on her experience and enjoy her performances. 

For Australian cellist Richard Narroway, participating in The Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Residency Program was the source of a great deal of joy.

High school teacher and 2018 RCM Gold Medalist Rob Bondy shares his love for music, and why he chose to take classical guitar lessons as an adult, at the RCM.