Vice President of Academics and Publishing, Elaine Rusk is a well-respected business leader, with over twenty-five years of experience in all aspects of The Royal Conservatory's academic and publishing divisions.
Elaine leads the RCM College of Examiners, the esteemed group of over 300 outstanding pedagogues from throughout North America. As the head of RCM Publishing, she is responsible for curriculum development, including syllabi for 22 instruments plus Voice, Speech Arts & Drama, and Theory. She oversees the publication of multiple resources for teachers and students, including the award-winning Celebration Series® for piano, and similar collections for guitar, violin, voice, and other instruments.
Elaine has more than forty years of experience as an independent studio teacher, specializing in piano and theory. In her ten-year tenure as Music Director at Knox Presbyterian Church in Milton, Ontario, she directed the chancel choir, a children's choir, and a four-part men's choir.
A member of the RCM College of Examiners, Elaine is an active performer, collaborative pianist, adjudicator, and guest lecturer on piano pedagogy. As well as hosting regional Celebration of Excellence recitals that showcase award-winning RCM students, Elaine has presented teacher workshops across North America including at national events such as the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations, the Music Teachers National Association, and the National Conference on Keyboard Pedagogy.
Ms. Rusk graduated summa cum laude with an honours Bachelor of Music in History, Theory, and Performance from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and holds a Master of Arts in Music Criticism from the same university.