From violinist to legal arts counsel

Who are you?

My name is Gabriella Rozankovic. I am a former student and assistant professor of violin at the Conservatoire de musique de la Montérégie (CMM) . Today, I am an arts and entertainment lawyer.  I have my own practice, where I mainly advise creators from the world of film, television and music.

Gabriella Rozankovic, violonist - Photo credit: Conservatoire de musique de la Montérégie

At what age did you start playing music and taking classes?

I started playing music at the age of 4. The violin was my first instrument and remained, throughout my journey, the instrument of choice. I also did piano for 10 years, choir and string ensembles intermittently... and also tamburica (pronounced "tam-bou-ri-tsa") - a kind of Croatian mandolin! At the CMM, I studied first with my mother, Marie-Anne Rozankovic, and then with Zoé Dumais.

What was your musical roadmap ?

Music has undoubtedly been the mainstay of my life, from my early childhood to the beginning of my adult life. Although I did not do a "music-study" schooling strictly speaking, the majority of my extracurricular activities were oriented towards music. I had the chance to go on tour in France (twice!) with a choir, to participate in several CMM gala concerts and to pass the exams  at Vincent-d'Indy Music school which helped guide my musical path.

I also had the pleasure of teaching violin as an assistant professor at the CMM, to see the impact of music in the lives of young children.

When the time came to register for CEGEP, I hesitated for a long time to  audition and enter in a music program. Having other very strong interests as well, I opted instead for Fine Arts & Communications program at Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, while continuing to complete Vincent-d'Indy's violin exams as an extracurricular activity. After that, I entered law school at McGill. That’s what eventually led me to the job I do today.

What lessons have you learned from your musical journey?

Making music is more than just learning a technique. It is a way of communicating with oneself and with others, of learning the virtues of self-discipline, of seeing concretely one's progress. At the end of a year, you know how to play a piece that you didn't know a few months ago - it's very rewarding!

Music is about listening, concentration, looking inward at yourself. It really is a mindfulness exercise! From a very personal point of view, music has instilled in me many learnings and values - including listening, attention to detail, discipline, perseverance - which other people find for example through sport or meditation.

GABRIELLA ROZANKOVIC, lawyer • agent • arts & entertainment
Photo credit: Renaud Lessard Background image: Alexis Vaillancourt, painter

What is the place of music in your life today?
Although I took another professional direction, music is still a big part of my life today. It is no coincidence that I chose to practice my profession as a lawyer in the arts and culture sector. Being a lawyer in this environment requires artistic sensitivity, an ability to speak the same language as clients, an intrinsic understanding of their issues that goes well beyond the legal. I know my customers appreciate my ability to put myself in their shoes and speak to them on an equal footing.

Otherwise, although music is an important part of my leisure time, I would like to integrate it more into my daily life. After several years in taking lessons, I realize how much I miss having a regular musical practice. Therefore, to be continued!

What advice would you give to young people studying music as an extracurricular activity or music-concenration in highschool?

I would tell them first that they are very lucky! Having the opportunity to practice an instrument is a privilege to be cherished, which is not given to everyone.

In my opinion , I believe that music is a subject that should be revalued in our public and private schools. Music is a subject just as important as french and mathematics. But that's a discussion for another newsletter!

I would also tell them that it is important to find an instrument and a type of practice that gives us pleasure. The pleasure can be found in the choice of instrument, the relationship with the teacher, the type of repertoire, the fact of playing in a group. And fun doesn't have to be instantaneous! It's like playing sports - sometimes it's hard, sometimes it hurts, sometimes we are not up to it… but we do it anyway, to maintain our shape and to keep progressing.

Music can be a great source of pleasure, sharing and pride! Anyway, it always has been and always will be for me. 26 years later, that is probably the main lesson I have learned!

For more information, visit: linkedin.com/in/gabriella-rozankovic