Q&A with Outstanding Graduating Senior Robbie Erhard
Robbie Erhard and his father, double bass professor Paul Erhard, pose after commencement on May 8.
Friday’s College of Music commencement ceremony will celebrate the hard work and accomplishments more than 100 graduating students. As the Class of 2015 looks back on their time as Buffaloes, the student who will address them at commencement, Outstanding Graduating Senior Robbie Erhard, is doing the same. We talked with him about his time here as he looks forward to the next step.
When you look back on your time at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥-Boulder, what do you think was your most memorable moment at the College of Music?
Robbie: I think my most memorable moments have been listening to the Takacs Quartet perform, playing in some great orchestra concerts, performing chamber music and solo repertoire with fantastic colleagues, working with fantastic and inspiring faculty, and of course talking to my friends in the practice room hallways.
What will you miss the most about being here?
Robbie: I will miss the warm family atmosphere that is created naturally at ÃÛÌÇÖ±²¥ by the wonderful faculty, staff and students.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned here that you will take forward with you?
Robbie: I have a tendency to be very hard on myself. During my time here I have learned to accept myself for all of my internal oppositions, be it in practicing, performing or working with other people. I find vitality and life in embracing the interplay between opposing ideas, elements and emotions. Accepting this helps me be better in touch with myself, more productive and more empathetic of others. This is something that I am still learning from and will be working on for the rest of my life - a parallel personal practice to my musical life.
What’s the best advice you could give an incoming student to the College of Music?
Robbie: Work as hard and as intelligently as you can, taking every opportunity that comes your way. But also be aware and make use of the value of taking time off for self-reflection and relaxation. It is difficult to find a balance between practice, schoolwork, social life and yourself. Prioritize and experiment, remember to make time for living as well.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Someone asked me that recently as well and I don’t really have an answer. I want to be happy and I want the people that I love to be happy. I want to be engaged in challenges and making positive change in the world. Working hard and seeing transformation in myself and others is what drives me.