The Royal Academy of Music has today announced that alumnus Sheku Kanneh-Mason is to be its first Menuhin Visiting Professor of Performance Mentoring – a new role named after violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin.
In the position, Kanneh-Mason will work with undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma students in a series of visits to the Academy each year, building their confidence and sharing tools for arranging and transcribing.
The cellist will start in the new role from September 2022, where he will also provide students with advice on using rehearsal time effectively and efficiently.
RAM’s head of strings, Jo Cole, said: ‘Sheku’s ingenuity, open-hearted communication, and experience as a young artist on the international stage will make him an inspirational and energetic guide and we’re delighted to welcome him to the Academy in this new role.’
On his appointment, Kanneh-Mason said: ‘It is incredibly exciting to be starting this new role at the Royal Academy of Music. The Academy is a place that has really shaped my musical development for so many years, from being a student at Primary and Junior Academy, through to undergraduate and advanced diploma programmes. It is such an honour to be invited to work with students on different aspects of performance.’
‘During my time as a student, I have had the chance to explore so much in terms of the classical solo repertoire, chamber music and collaborations with a wide variety of artists, as well as composing and arranging for my instrument. I hope to encourage students to be open, interesting and rounded musicians.’
