Private Lessons, Master Classes, Presentations
Rob is an enthusiastic, passionate, committed teacher. As Professor of Piano at the State University of New York at Oswego since 2004, Rob has delivered presentations, conducted myriad outreach efforts in schools and conservatories, presented master classes, and mentored countless students from elite pianists to beginners. Having taught both classroom and studio for the past 12 years, Rob is equally at home in each setting. Rob initiated the Oswego Youth Conservatory in 2014.
Master Class
Rob works with aspiring pianists at the university or preparatory level. Special focus on ear-based and project-based strategies, and development of a unique artistic voice through the Socratic method. Rob’s warm, encouraging and deeply insightful demeanor encourages students’ best efforts.
“Rob’s presentations are always engaging, stimulating and thought provoking. He unearths underlying musical concepts then explores the practical applications.”
Evangeline Canfield, MM
Former SUNY Oswego student
Teaching artist
K-12 visits
Rob has recently completed Teaching Artist training through CNY Arts to support his work sharing music in public school classrooms and auditoriums. His enthusiasm and passion for music are contagious.
“Rob has participated in enrichment programs for Michigan City (IN) schools for many years. He is truly a natural dealing with kids. He’s positive, funny, engaging—and his “Jazz 101” workshop gets kids participating and playing jazz with no prior experience. Highly, highly recommended!”
Nic Orbovich
Director, Michigan City Chamber Music Festival
Careers in music
Rob leads a workshop with aspiring classical musicians, employing his degree in Economics, and twenty-plus years as a performer, collaborator, college professor and concert series director. Special focus on networking.
“His seminar on effective networking and business skills introduced a wealth of advice on interpersonal ethics, and how to create healthy, collegial relationships, many of which I now include in my own professional life.”
Brendan Kinsella, DMA
Associate Professor of Piano, U. of Texas (Rio Grande Valley)
Jazz 101
Rob shares rudiments of jazz piano in an interactive presentation that gets everybody playing piano jazz, even if they’ve never played before. Highly recommended.
Positive Psychology and the Performer
Rob leads a talk (with PowerPoint) on best practices (mental, personal, strategic) for goal-setting, assessment and dynamic improvement.
Jazz Tools for the Classical Performer
Rob leads a talk (with PowerPoint) on jazz-based ear strategies that young classical musicians can use to improve their classical performance.
Evangeline Canfield
SUNY Oswego Chancellor’s Award winner / Bowling Green Masters of Music in Piano. Adjunct Professor of Piano at SUNY Oswego. www.canfieldtwinsduo.com
Elizabeth Canfield
SUNY Oswego Chancellor’s Award winner / Bowling Green Masters of Music in Piano. Adjunct Professor of Piano at SUNY Oswego. www.canfieldtwinsduo.com
Tamar Greene
SUNY Oswego Piano/Voice grad performs worldwide
Timothy Lanigan
SUNY Oswego Piano/Voice Grad who recently attained Masters of Music from Manhattan School of Music. He is also a professional pianist and singer.
Maggie Goble
SUNY Oswego German, Piano, Arts Admin. Project Coordinator for Six Flags America. Affiliate of Leota Arts Agency, Inc.
Jonathan Powers
SUNY Oswego Piano/Voice Grad Professional New York City based pianist, singer and director
Danielle Jewis
SUNY Oswego Piano Pedagogy. Instructor, Maryland.
Nick Gianopoulos
SUNY Oswego Piano Grad. Worldwide commissioned composer.
Noah Landers
Preparatory student Scholarship student at University of Ottawa.