RUBY BRALLIER
Historical Cello & Viola da Gamba
PERFORMER
As a performer on the cello and viola da gamba, Ruby is sought after for masterclasses and concert appearances throughout the country, with recent engagements at Capitol Early Music, the Taylor Johnson Early Music Series at Michigan State University, Early Music America's Young Performer's Festival, and Cranbrook Music Guild's Chamber Artist Series.
Ruby holds degrees in cello and viola da gamba from Oberlin Conservatory, University of Michigan, and Lawrence University.
TEACHER
On faculty at the Community Music School of Oberlin Conservatory, Ruby teaches private lessons and group classes in cello and viola da gamba. Alongside her cello students, Ruby teaches viola da gamba and directs the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra Consort of Viols - an ensemble she founded in 2019 to give students in Northeast Ohio the opportunity to explore consort literature for the viola da gamba in a collaborative environment.
In addition to her studio in Oberlin, Ruby teaches virtual lessons in both cello and viola da gamba.
COMMUNITY-BUILDER
Ruby strongly believes that the act of music-making and sharing provides a unique opportunity to build community. Ruby has also devoted herself to expanding access and education on historical instruments to youth musicians in Northeast Ohio. She frequently presents in public schools and community arts programs, and in 2019 she was awarded an Outreach Grant by the Viola da Gamba Society of America.
Alongside her educational outreach, Ruby helped pilot Oberlin Center for the Arts' Performing Artists in Residence program, which connects students from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music with partnering institutions Mercy Allen Hospital and Welcome Nursing Home. Her viola da gamba can often be heard in lobbies and along bedsides, where she has formed close personal connections with residents and staff.
