Check Out Robert Brooks’ Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Brooks.

Hi Robert, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From a young age, music has always been a focus of my life. My grandmother was a music teacher and some of my earliest memories are playing around with her piano and other instruments. My career as a professional musician and music educator has given me a variety of amazing opportunities and I still love the process from moments being on stage to the breakthrough moment with a student. I have degrees from Central Michigan University and the University of Illinois focusing in jazz. I now teach at The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH and have performed my own music across the country, toured with a variety of groups including The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra and the Afro-Caribbean Jazz Collective.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My path through music as a performer and teacher has had plenty of bumps, mistakes, and detours. From bad performances, missing out on awards, grants, or positions, and learning the ropes of the professional world step by step, I have certainly made mistakes, but when you are passionate about what you do and your goals, its hard to say any of those obstacles where detrimental because they all became part of my learning process. Everything I have learned on my path has made me the person and musician I am today and I am happy to carry those lessons learned to my students and mentees.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a professional jazz saxophonist at my core but my career has taken many turns as a performer and teacher so some people might know me for different things depending on the situation. Sometimes I am performing my own original music which modern jazz that focuses on continuing the traditions of classic jazz but with the influences, forms, and styles of today mixed in. I am also performing alongside major jazz and latin artists and groups. I also play other instruments, like flute, clarinet, and even the oboe for the orchestra in live musical theater productions including some national tours. All of these experiences help to broaden my views on what is good music and what I like and want to share with the audience and my students. Most people probably know me as a jazz and commercial music educator at The Ohio State University. I love working with top level students on a variety of instruments and inspiring the next generation of musicians to learn and understand the American art-form, Jazz, and add their own viewpoint in the melting pot culture. As a performer and as a teacher, I think the thing that sets me apart is my relentless drive to improve myself and my dedication to my students to help them find themselves in our music.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I have a new album of original music featuring top musicians from across the country that will be released early next year. If you are interested in learning more about me and my teaching I create educational content in Instagram – @drrobertbrooksjazz

Contact Info:

• Website: https://robertbrooks.com
• Instagram: @drrobertbrooksjazz