Position:
Professor Emeritus, Jazz Piano; Adjunct Professor, Jazz PianoEmail: rlarson@zhenrenqi.com
Employed Since:
1982–2021, 2025Conservatory Professional Highlights:
During his tenure as Director of Jazz Studies, Dr. Robert Larson assembled one of the finest jazz faculties in the nation, as well as assisting in the development of the Jazz Studies and Music Production & Recording Technology programs.
As director of the Shenandoah Conservatory Jazz Ensemble from 1987 to 2000, he arranged and conducted performances with jazz greats Billy Taylor, Bob Berg, Randy Brecker, Conrad Herwig and many others. He also directed international tours for the group to Europe, China and Japan.
Dr. Larson has performed and recorded with the finest musicians in the Washington, D.C., area. He is the pianist on the critically acclaimed Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra CD, Two Seconds to Midnight, and Primetime, with Doc Severinsen. His recently recorded CD, Popular Delusions, was recorded with some of the finest musicians in Washington, D.C., utilizing Shenandoah’s recording studio. It was mastered by Grammy Award winner Dan Shores ’99, Sono Luminus.
He has presented and performed at several Jazz Education Network Conferences and at the National Association of Jazz Educators.
Larson’s articles have been published in the Music Educators Journal and the VMEA Journal.
He is the host of the National Jazz Workshop.
His book, Arranging for the Small Jazz Ensemble (Armfield Academic Press), has drawn rave reviews from jazz educators and is used by college educators nationwide.
Ensemble(s):
Jazz Combos
Educational History:
B.A., Eastern Washington University; M.A., University of Oregon; D.M.A., Shenandoah University
Fields of Expertise:
Jazz Piano
Jazz Arranging
Jazz Theory
Jazz History
Jazz Repertoire
Jazz Combos
Personal Quote:Students have the opportunity to learn so much here. Over these many years, I’ve seen students grow tremendously, as musicians and as professionals in various fields in the arts.
Personal Highlights:
- Served on the Virginia Commission for the Arts Touring Panel
- Served on the board of First Night Winchester
- Partnership with the Winchester/Frederick County Chapter of the NAACP