Brad shares life-long passion
A DAY IN THE LIFE
INSTUMENTAL music teacher Brad Ruben has always believed music is one of the world’s greatest treasures.
And he couldn’t think of a better job than passing on knowledge originating from the 16th century to children today.
Mr Ruben spends his days at Brisbane State High School, but he’s currently adjudicating at the 72nd City of Toowoomba Eisteddfod.
“It’s nice to listen to students play. Some of them are on the beginning of their musical journey,” he said. “You tell them what they’re doing now is something they can still do when they’re in their 70s.
“There’s life-long enjoyment ahead for them.”
Mr Ruben was born in Toowoomba and educated at Toowoomba East State School and Harristown State School, which was where he first picked up bass clarinet.
He studied at the University of Southern Queensland, before starting work in Brisbane.
He is the woodwind specialist and master in charge of instrumental music, a role he started in 2002.
Throughout that time he has conducted acclaimed high school ensembles at all levels. He has also acted as a guest conductor at music camps and festivals across Queensland and interstate.
Mr Ruben also taught woodwind pedagogy and summer courses in multi instrument pedagogy at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music.
A typical day at work for him starts with band rehearsals at 7.30am before moving onto woodwind group lessons.
He teaches eight lessons a day, before finishing up the afternoon with after-school chamber music lessons with quartets and quintets.