From violin to medical school
My name is Lauriane Bélisle and I have been a violin student with Marie-Anne Rozankovic for 8 years. In recent years, I have had the chance to participate in several concerts at the Conservatoire de musique de la Montérégie (CMM), notably with the symphony orchestra. I also taught violin for a year at the Conservatory. I am currently an undergraduate doctoral student in medicine at the University of Montreal.
My musical journey
Although my parents are not musicians, it was very important to them that I learn to play a musical instrument. My first instrument was the piano; I started at the age of 4 in a music school in Laval and my nterest in music quickly grew. At the age of 7, my parents suggested that I change schools to take part in a musical violin program that was offered in another elementary school in Laval. Being curious and having a thirst for learning, I took part in the auditions and started learning the violin in 3rd grade. During a four-year period, I devoted half of my school days to learning this instrument, in addition to learning music theory, dalcroze (learning rhythm through movement), choir and string orchestra. I have very good memories of this period; you could always hear music when you walked through the halls of the music pavilion, which I found magical, as I could devote two to three hours a day to what used to be a hobby, but which quickly became a passion.
I quickly realized that I preferred the violin to the piano; I continued the two in parallel for three years, but when it came time for me to go to high school, I knew that I wanted to concentrate on the violin and devote as much time to learning this instrument, if not more. The last year I took piano lessons, I took the year-end tests at the École de musique Vincent-d'Indy (EMVI) and that's how I discovered their high school Music Studies program. I did a violin audition and continued to learn this instrument with Marie-Anne Rozankovic. From that moment, it was as if a whole new world had opened up to me. Indeed, thanks to the program and my violin teacher, a string of opportunities presented themselves to me and they gave me experiences that allowed me to develop not only as a musician, but also as a as a person. In particular, I was introduced to composition and chamber music, which allowed me to participate in various competitions and also to develop different aspects of my playing. What was most striking for me, however, was my debut in the Orchestre symphonique du Conservatoire de la Montérégie (OSCM) in residence at EMVI in my second year of high school. It was my first experience in a symphony orchestra and my best concerts in high school are undoubtedly those with the OSCM. I was able to learn from different conductors, play major repertoire and give concerts in different venues in Montreal, including Place des Arts. Thanks to Marie-Anne Rozankovic, I had the opportunity to participate at a young age in the concerts at Festival Classica in Saint-Lambert; I was able to meet and play with experienced, talented and renowned musicians, in particular with the OSCM and the Orchestre de chambre de la Montérégie. These experiences were more than formative and made me eager to continually push my limits on the instrument.
Lauriane Bélisle, violin student at EMVI
Music in college
Once I reached college, I entered a dual degree program in natural sciences and violin at the École de musique Vincent-d’Indy, I continued my training with Marie-Anne Rozankovic. I was able to continue to improve on my instrument, while becoming a better orchestral and chamber musician. I continued to take part in concerts at the Festival Classica, to play with the OSCM, to accompany CMM students in a string quartet and I was even able to teach the violin there for a year. In my second year of college, I started playing the viola in a string quartet and after six years in the first violin section of the OSCM at EMVI, I joined the viola section in my senior year. All in all, my eight years at the École de musique Vincent-d'Indy studying with Marie-Anne Rozankovic allowed me to live experiences that were each more enriching than the next, to develop my versatility on the instrument and to develop essential qualities to be a musician. My fondest memories are certainly the various Classica Rock concerts, the 12th annual Cancer fundraiser at the Maison symphonique and the Requiems by Duruflé and Fauré at Classica Festival.
Although I am now a medical student, music was too important in my life and in my studies to just stop doing it. I continue to rehearse with the Orchestre symphonique des jeunes de Montréal (OSJM) and to take part in concerts at the Festival Classica. I make sure I keep a balance life between my different interests and passions!
What my musical journey has brought me
Although I have learned many things related to my instrument, those that seem much more significant to me are those that have shaped my personality. Indeed, learning an instrument requires hard work, perseverance and attention to detail; these are three aspects that have been useful throughout my school career and which are even more so in my current field of study. Dividing my time between music and school has allowed me to develop a sense of organization that allows me to continue to dedicate time to all my interests. My creative side that I have developed with music makes me approach challenges and problem solving from a whole new angle, thinking outside of the box and considering all possible angles, which is very useful in my studies and which will also be in my future profession. I consider that my musical journey has provided me with an open mind as well as a cartesian and creative side that are useful to me in all spheres of my life.
Lauriane Bélisle undergraduate doctoral student in medicine
What advice would you give to young people studying music as an extracurricular or music-study program?
We are not always aware in the present moment of what music is handing to us. We encounter challenges , pitfalls and motivation can sometimes fall. It is essential to remember the reasons why we practise an instrument, not for others, but for ourselves, hence the importance of making music in a context that stimulates us. There is something for every taste; we just have to find the context that suits us!
Lauriane Bélisle is a two-time recipient of the Governor General's medal. She is pictured with her violin teacher, Marie-Anne Rozankovic. Salle Claude-Champagne. May 2022.
