Rollin Zhao

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Violin, Viola, and AMEB Theory

About me:

I'm a freelance violinist hailing from Brisbane. Over the last ten years, I have studied, worked, and taught in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. I regularly played with the Queensland Symphony (QSO) and the Sydney Symphony (SSO) before relocating to Melbourne.

Music has taken me all over the world. As an Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) Emerging Artist in 2017, I toured many regional centres in QLD, VIC, NSW, WA. On numerous orchestral tours with the Australian Youth Orchestra, Queensland Youth Orchestra, and on orchestral exchange with the Xi'an Symphony Orchestra, I have performed internationally in Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, and China.

It is my firm belief that musical training can deeply enrich anyone's life. Whether you choose to make music a career, an enduring hobby, or a casual interest that you can return to later on, learning an instrument gives you the means to connect with other musicians and derive lifelong fulfillment creating music together.

Over the past seven years, I have guided my students through AMEB exams, and have regularly tutored orchestral workshops and chamber ensembles in schools around Australia. My approach to teaching is deeply indebted to my own teachers and musical colleagues. For three years I studied with renowned pedagogue, Dr. Robin Wilson, and have observed the teaching of top educators across the country, including the late Richard Gill AO.

Philosophy:

• It is my goal to foster a lifelong love for music in my students. For me, a commitment to musical expression and creativity is every bit as important as a strong technical foundation.

• I incorporate ensemble playing as a basis for developing aural skills, rhythmic integrity, and expressive understanding.

• I encourage students to develop a strong sense of ownership and confidence in their own learning.

Career highlights:

Contract first violin Queensland Symphony 2019
Casual violinist SSO, MSO, WASO
Exchange violinist with Xi'an Symphony Orchestra 2017/19
SSO Fellow 2018
ACO Emerging artist 2017
Richard Pollett Memorial Award 2015
Member of AYO (2012-17, Principal Second Violin, 2015 and 17)
Finalist and recipient of Audience Choice and Bach prizes, Kendall National Violin Competition 2014

Educational Background:

University of Queensland, Bachelor of Music (First Class Honours)
Australian National Academy of Music

Any questions, feel free to drop me a message or email at rzhaostrings@gmail.com

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