ISAAC WILLOCKS, violin/viola

Isaac Willocks is in his fourth year of studies in the Bachelor of Music in Performance degree at the University of Calgary, School of Creative and Performing Arts, where he studies violin with Edmond Agopian. He is also studying at the Mount Royal University Conservatory in the Advanced Performance Program, under the direction of William Van Der Sloot. Previous violin teachers include Laurel Teierle, Cristian Neacsu and Jeremy Van Dieman, and Joan Barrett. He has also had masterclasses with guests such as Gwen Hoebig, and Andres Cardenes.

Isaac is currently the rotating concertmaster of the University of Calgary Orchestra, as well as being awarded the second violin spot in the faculty quartet alongside Edmond Agopian, Beth Root Sandvoss and Dean O’Brien. He has played with many different orchestras in the past, including the Rosedale Valley Strings, the Burman University Orchestra and more recently, the Calgary Youth Orchestra. Isaac has also played in multiple performances highlighting black composers, alongside Edmond Agopian, Micheal Coburn, Laura Hynes, Jasmine Long, Jeremy Brown, and Michele Moss. Isaac has taught at the United Conservatory of Music and Music makers as both a substitute teacher and on-staff violinist. He has also been an adjudicator for small festivals at the United Conservatory of Music. He has his RCM level 10 certification, and is striving for ARCT certification after graduation from his Bachelor of Music Program.

Isaac is planning on going on to pursue a graduate degree in music as well as a doctorate degree. Isaac has also worked with non-profits like A Better World Canada to help raise money for more musical and educational opportunities for more underprivileged students and communities so that anyone who wants the opportunity to pursue music is given the chance.