CIM Student Wins Inaugural Diversity-Focused Fellowship

Tuba player Jason Tanksley, currently pursuing an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM), has won a two-year fellowship with the Minnesota Orchestra. Tanksley is one of two performers selected as the first-ever Rosemary and David Good Fellows.

This fellowship supports the career development of outstanding young musicians of African American, Latino and Native American descent as they embark on professional orchestral careers, and will provide Tanksley with mentorship, coaching and professional performing experience. Tanksley was one of eight musicians chosen to audition for the fellowship.

Tanksley says: "I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra. Having their wisdom and knowledge shape the next part of my career is a dream come true."

Over the course of the fellowship, Tanksley will observe and participate in Minnesota Orchestra rehearsals, perform within the orchestra at selected concerts, study with orchestra musicians and prepare for professional auditions. In addition, he will also work with students on a variety of music education initiatives.

CIM President & CEO Paul W. Hogle says: "We are immensely proud of Jason for winning this fellowship, and look forward to following his career. He is an excellent young musician who has the talent and drive to succeed.

"In recent years, CIM has deepened its commitment to diversity, with a focus on preparing elite young musicians of color for careers in classical music," Hogle continued. "At the end of August, we'll welcome the most diverse student body in history, with 10% of the incoming class comprised of students of color. We also have developed a strong partnership with the Sphinx Organization-the leader in creating opportunities for African American and Latino orchestral musicians - including hosting the Sphinx Performance Academy for aspiring string players this summer."

JASON TANKSLEY
Tuba player Jason Tanksley, from Eastpointe, Michigan, earned a Master of Music degree in 2016 from CIM and is now a candidate for the Artist Diploma, in the studio of Yasuhito Sugiyama. A graduate of Detroit's Wayne State University, where he studied with Dennis Nulty, Tanksley has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Jacksonville Symphony, among other ensembles. As a soloist, he has appeared with the International Symphony Orchestra, Birmingham Concert Band and the Wayne State University Symphony Orchestra, as well as its Wind Symphony.