In our Meet the Majors series, we are profiling current students and alumni of programs offered at Memorial University’s School of Music! Whether you are a current student or thinking of applying, we hope these interviews help you gain insight into the range of programs that the School of Music has to offer. Visit this page to view a list of all of the majors and minors currently available for students.

A performance major is recommended for students planning to pursue a career as a solo performer, orchestral or band player, university-based musician or private teacher.

Meet Anna Rumbolt, B.Mus. '21, M.Mus. '23!

Anna Rumbolt was born and raised in Gander, Newfoundland. She recently completed her Bachelor of Music degree (Honours) majoring in Vocal Performance at Memorial University’s School of Music, under the direction of Dr. Caroline Schiller. She is currently completing her Masters in Performance Pedagogy at MUN studying with Dr. Jane Leibel.

Music at Memorial: When did you first become interested in music?

Anna: For as long as I can remember, I have always loved to sing and perform for others. I loved entertaining my parents and their friends. I saw performance opportunities when guests would come to our house, and I would sing with my karaoke machine. My parents saw this spark in me, so they enrolled me in voice and performing arts lessons with Kim Wiseman. In my music lessons, I learned so much about different genres of singing which inspired me to enter the Kiwanis Music Festival. I entered all of the categories every year, but musical theatre was always my favourite. 

I performed in my first concert group in grade nine, and that following summer, I started going to the MUN Song Academy. I became passionate about classical after that first concert group, and that’s why I pursued a music degree! 

Music at Memorial:  What are your career goals?

Anna: After completing my master's, I would like to get my music education degree and teach within the school system. I also plan to own and operate a private music studio where I can share all of the knowledge that I have attained.

My goal is to create a healthy balance in my life where I can continue performing while working as a music teacher. I would love to stay in Newfoundland, but if another opportunity arises then so be it!

Music at Memorial: Why did you choose to study performance at Memorial?

Anna: When I had to declare a major in my second year, I knew that performance would be the perfect fit for me. My first taste of performing opera was with the MUN Opera workshop. I had the opportunity to perform Alice in Wonderland in St. John's and across the province with the roadshow. We had plans to do Hansel and Gretel afterwards, but it was cancelled due to COVID.

In my final year, we performed scenes from The Old Maid and the Thief as well as Orfeo and Euridice through zoom. It was an amazing experience where we learned so much and had the chance to collaborate with different people! 

Music at Memorial:  Do you have any advice for those looking to become performance majors? 

• Enjoy every minute of every performance!
• If you are passionate about something, stick with it and always work hard.
• Be authentic and never second guess your abilities.
• Practice lots but make time for yourself too!
• Tailor a practice schedule and routine that works for you.
• Create a roadmap of your performance.
• The main thing is consistency and sticking to a schedule.
• Be intuitive of what is going to serve you today.
• Practice rhythm and mentally thinking about where the beats lie.

 - Interview conducted by Music at Memorial's Digital Marketing Intern, Sarah Knight.