"Robertson is a conductor who inspires confidence in a listener- his beat is utterly secure; his feeling for structure, unfailing;
his overall manner, no-nonsense elegance"
-Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times
The language of music creates a universal collective,
which communicates beautiful thoughts and ideas without words.
which communicates beautiful thoughts and ideas without words.
Dr. Jon Robertson
A Prodigy's beginnings
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Maestro Jon Robertson’s career as a concert pianist began at the age of nine with his debut in New York City’s historic Town Hall, after which he concertized extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe. The young prodigy and student of the renowned pianist and teacher Ethel Leginska was awarded a full scholarship for six consecutive years to The Juilliard School, where he earned B.M., M.S. and D.M.A. degrees in piano performance as a student of Beveridge Webster. While at Juilliard, he studied choral conducting with Abraham Kaplan and orchestral conducting with Richard Pittman of the New England Conservatory of Music.
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Pianist and conductor
Dr. Robertson’s career expanded beyond his prodigious start as a pianist, evolving into a celebrated conductor of international acclaim. As a student at Juilliard, he earned recognition not only for his exceptional piano performances but also for his studies in choral and orchestral conducting. His early roles included chairing the Department of Music at Oakwood College, where he achieved critical success by leading a historic performance of Verdi's Requiem at Carnegie Hall. Later, he served as Music Director of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra in Norway, where his dynamic leadership brought consecutive sold-out seasons and critical acclaim.
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As a guest conductor, Dr. Robertson has graced the podiums of prestigious orchestras worldwide, including the San Francisco Symphony, Beijing Central Philharmonic, Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra, Cairo Symphony Orchestra, and the Bratislava Chamber Orchestra. His leadership has also been showcased with the American Symphony, Long Beach Symphony, Oakland East Bay Symphony, Fairbanks Symphony, Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, and the Walla Walla Symphony, among others. He has appeared at major international festivals, such as Pianofest Austria and the Stellenbosch International Festival in South Africa. With each engagement, Dr. Robertson’s visionary artistry and unparalleled command have left an indelible mark on audiences across the globe.
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Academic leadership
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Dr. Robertson’s academic leadership has left an indelible mark on prestigious institutions, where his visionary approach elevated music programs to new heights. From 1992 to 2004, he served as Chair of the Department of Music at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). During his tenure, the department gained national and international recognition, attracting world-renowned faculty and exceptionally gifted students. He was instrumental in raising over $2 million for scholarships and program expansion, enabling the creation of a robust Opera and Music Theater program through partnerships with organizations like the Gluck Foundation. His efforts also included the innovative Music Outreach Program, which provided music lessons to underserved African-American and Latino students in Los Angeles. The program’s success, supported by the Toyota Foundation, resulted in 98% of participants pursuing college education, with several gaining admission to UCLA.
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As Dean of Lynn University’s Conservatory of Music, Dr. Robertson transformed the conservatory into a world-class institution. Under his leadership, the conservatory became highly selective and internationally diverse, attracting students from 14 countries and maintaining an enrollment of fewer than 100 of the world’s most talented musicians. His dedication to excellence ensured that students were mentored by a distinguished faculty of performers and scholars, solidifying the conservatory’s reputation as one of the leading music institutions globally. Through his academic leadership, Dr. Robertson has continually championed access to quality education while cultivating an environment where musical excellence thrives.
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AWARDS AND HONORS
Dr. Robertson's illustrious career has been recognized with numerous awards and honors celebrating his exceptional contributions to music, education, and community development. He is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Loma Linda University for his pivotal role in the cultural advancement of the Greater Inland Empire in San Bernardino, California. During his tenure at UCLA, he was honored with the President's Award for Outreach Programs, acknowledging his groundbreaking Music Outreach Program that provided transformative opportunities for underserved students in Los Angeles. These accolades, along with his enduring impact as a conductor, educator, and advocate for accessible music education, underscore his legacy as a visionary leader and an inspiration in the world of music.
Timeline
1949
- Child Prodigy: Made his concert debut at Town Hall, New York City, at age 9, earning praise from The New York Times as a “pint-sized Paderewski.”
1950s
- Studied with renowned pianist and teacher Ethel Leginska, performing across the United States, the Caribbean, and Europe.
1960s
- Awarded a full scholarship to the Juilliard School, where he earned B.M., M.S., and D.M.A. degrees in piano performance under Beveridge Webster.
- Completed his Master’s degree in Piano Performance at Juilliard.
- Studied conducting with Abraham Kaplan and Richard Pittman.
- Appointed Chair of the Department of Music at Oakwood College, Huntsville, Alabama.
- Led the college choir and Huntsville Symphony in Verdi’s Requiem in Los Angeles to critical acclaim.
1970
- Returned to Juilliard as a Ford Foundation Scholar to complete his Doctorate of Musical Arts (D.M.A.).
- Conducted the Oakwood College Choir and American Symphony Orchestra in Verdi’s Requiem at Carnegie Hall, receiving critical praise from The New York Times.
1972
- Became Chair of the Thayer Conservatory of Music at Atlantic Union College, Massachusetts.
- Tripled enrollment, launched the Thayer Preparatory Division, and established the Thayer Conservatory Orchestra.
1975
- Directed the New England Sinfonia on a successful national tour.
1979
- Studied privately with Maestro Herbert Blomstedt, Music Director and Conductor of The Dresden Staatskapkapelle Orchestra.
- Appointed Music Director of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, Norway, serving until 1987.
- Conducted the National Norwegian Opera Company in six performances of La Bohème and annual productions with the Kristiansand Opera Company.
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1982
1990
1992-2004
2005
1995-1998
2018
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Present
Continues as Dean of Lynn University Conservatory of Music.
Published The Spirit Within, based on his sermons on the life-enriching impact of spirituality and music.
Continues as Dean of Lynn University Conservatory of Music.
Published The Spirit Within, based on his sermons on the life-enriching impact of spirituality and music.
"Devote your heart, mind, and soul to giving life your best performance every day."
-Dr. Jon Robertson
-Dr. Jon Robertson
SONGS WITHOUT WORDS |
The Spirit Within |
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"Jon Robertson has that extra something that belongs only to the musically great - a sense of timing." Washington Post
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This book invites readers to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to The Spirit Within to guide and direct not only their spiritual thinking but their daily lives as well. Reader's Digest
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