Robert Smith

Biography

Winner of the Richard Pollett Memorial Award (AYO), Robert Smith is currently studying at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University under the tutelage of renowned Australian violinist, Michele Walsh. Since beginning the violin at the age of five, Robert has completed both the AMEB AMusA and LMusA diplomas with distinction. In recent years, he has competed in and won major prizes in many competitions, including the Kendall National Violin Competition, the Basil Jones Sonata Prize, the Vada Jefferies Prize, the Ronald Clifford Davis Prize and the Matilda Jane Aplin Prize. Recently, Robert has benefitted from participating in masterclasses with world-renowned musicians, including Jack Liebeck, Dale Barltrop, Glenn Christensen and Natsuko Yoshimoto, amongst others. Since 2019, he has been an active member of the Australian Youth Orchestra, previously positioned as concertmaster and principal second violinist in various programs.