Biography
Dr. Robert Larson is a distinguished jazz pianist, educator, author, and clinician with a career spanning nearly five decades. Recently retired from Shenandoah Conservatory, he served on the faculty for thirty-nine years, including thirty years as Director of Jazz Studies and multiple terms as Instrumental Division Chair.
From 1987 to 2000, Dr. Larson directed the Conservatory Jazz Ensemble, leading performances both nationally and internationally, including tours in China, Japan, Spain, France, and Iceland. Under his direction, the ensemble collaborated with renowned artists such as Randy Brecker, Billy Taylor, Bob Berg, Conrad Herwig, Allen Vizzutti, Vince DiMartino, and Chris Vadala, among many others.
An accomplished educator, Dr. Larson taught a wide range of courses including jazz history, improvisation, repertoire, pedagogy, theory, and private jazz piano. His publications include Arranging for the Small Jazz Ensemble (Armfield Academic Press), widely adopted at the collegiate level, and Practical Jazz Piano: A Comprehensive Method, a culmination of his decades of teaching experience. His scholarly articles have appeared in publications such as the College Music Society, Music Educators Journal, the Virginia Music Educators Association Journal, and the International Association of Jazz Educators.
Dr. Larson has presented nationally at conferences for the Jazz Educators Network, the National Jazz Workshop, and the National Association of Jazz Educators, with topics ranging from the early recordings of Bill Evans to critical listening and arranging techniques. A sought-after clinician and adjudicator, he has worked with programs and festivals throughout the region.
As a performer, Dr. Larson has recorded and appeared extensively, including his CD Popular Delusions, which received national radio airplay. He is also featured on recordings with the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra, including Two Seconds to Midnight and Primetime featuring Doc Severinsen. He continues to perform with his own trio as well as groups such as the Capitol Bones, the Metropolitan Jazz Orchestra, and the MLO Fusion Project.
Beyond performance and teaching, Dr. Larson has contributed to the arts community through service on the Virginia Commission for the Arts touring panel, the board of First Night Winchester, and as host of the National Jazz Workshop at Shenandoah Conservatory for twelve years.
He holds degrees from Eastern Washington University, the University of Oregon, and Shenandoah Conservatory, and remains an influential voice in jazz education and performance.
