Clarinet
Education
Robert earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Sam Houston State University and his Master of Music from the University of Houston, where he served as a teaching fellow. After joining the United States Air Force Band, he completed his Doctor of Musical Arts at The Catholic University of America.
Performance and Teaching Experience
An active musician, Robert has performed with the Houston Symphony, Levine Woodwind Quintet, Mpingo Clarinet Quartet, Capital City Symphony as principal clarinet, Fairfax Wind Symphony, Virginia Grand Military Band, Gennusa Clarinet Camerata Clarinet Choir, Castleton Winds, and the United States Air Force Concert Band, where he performed for 26 years. He was also a second-round finalist in the International Music Competition in Munich.
Robert maintains a private studio in Virginia and has been recognized by the Governor’s School for Visual and Performing Arts for mentoring, advising, and inspiring the youth of the Commonwealth of Virginia. His students have been prize winners in competitions and have performed with the American Youth Symphony, McLean Youth Orchestra, and in solo festivals and District and All-State Bands. Some have continued their studies at major music schools and gone on to careers in teaching and performance.
Robert is currently the conductor of the City of Falls Church Concert Band.
At Levine
Robert has been a member of the Levine faculty since 1986. He teaches private clarinet lessons. He also teaches band at Saint Peter’s School on Capitol Hill.
Among the many things Robert admires about Levine, he especially appreciates the numerous performance opportunities available to students, including juries, recitals, and participation in the honors program.
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
“I want to instill a love of music that will last a lifetime. I teach the fundamentals from the very beginning, preparing my students to achieve their goals, play musically, and perform on the clarinet with a beautiful tone.”