Today we’d like to introduce you to Dorothy Robbins.
Hi Dorothy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a concert pianist and music educator, I must first give acknowledgment and gratitude to the various mentors that helped me along my journey leading to my current position in life. Despite rough beginnings, I would not have succeeded without the help and guidance given to me by these wonderful individuals. I began my sojourn into the music world as a young child growing up in Palm Springs. My family was not blessed with much money or resources and my home life was often turbulent. My mother though, felt a strong conviction for me to learn a musical instrument despite the financial burden and enrolled me in piano lessons.
Despite only having an over 100 years old rickety piano to practice on, I thrived as a young pianist and found a deep internal drive to practice. I would often practice all night, forgoing sleep, to master my repertoire. My professional career began as an accompanist for vocalists at the age of 11. By 12, I had continued my musical studies to pursue voice, cello, clarinet, percussion, and guitar along with a minimum of four hours a day of practicing piano.
I was hired as the accompanist for my middle school choir and embarked becoming a skilled vocal coach and choir conductor.
In high school, I started touring as a pianist, cellist, and clarinetist which took me to various locations in California, in addition to overseas to Denmark, Sweden, and Scotland. I studied as a summer and full-time student at Idyllwild Arts Academy and participated and succeeded in many competitions as a pianist. At sixteen, I was invited to compete in the Oberlin International Youth Piano Competition.
I received my B.M. in piano performance from the University of Redlands where I received various illustrious grants and scholarships. This was when I would have my first debut as a concerto soloist with University of Redlands Orchestra twice; first as a winner of the prestigious concerto competition and again for an event on music outreach for children in the community. Throughout my time at Redlands, I developed a successful piano studio which held biannual recitals attended by hundreds of students and guests.
I studied at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University Long Beach under a generous research grant where I completed my M.M. in piano performance and published my thesis. While there, I performed in many concerts on and off campus for community musical outreach and fundraising events. While at CSULB, I received awards for outstanding playing within the department.
I currently am pursuing my D.M.A. from Claremont Graduate University and sit on the board of directors for the University of Redlands Piano Camp. As the director of ensembles, I curate repertoire and ensembles for performance and also teach various classes. I have worked as an outreach source for international students and a liaison for prospective students to the university. Current classes I teach include Music and Art and Sight-Reading.
As a performer, accompanist, and chamber musician, I have performed with professional musicians through California and Italy. It is my utmost desire to continue musical outreach and education as a performer and lecturer while pursuing my doctorate.
My dream as a musician is to break down the esoteric boundaries of classical music and create spaces where children of all economic, racial, and social backgrounds can explore the profound and fulfilling world of musical enrichment.
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?
I come from a working-class background and a difficult home life. Through music, I found peace and solace within the chaos surrounding me, and I believe this struggle has shaped me into the artist I am today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a concert artist, collaborator, and educator I specialize in traditional and modern piano repertoire and the pedagogical aspects regarding this field of study. I have worked in many musical outreach programs and cultivate an inclusive teaching environment. I use an individual and approachable method to break down the traditional barriers that have plagued classical music in an effort to make classical musical an enjoyable experience for all!
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I love all the writings of C.P.E. Bach, Turk, Stewart Gordon, Kodaly, Quintilian, Aristotle, and Plato.,
Pricing:
- Hour Long Lessons are $80
- Solo performance begins at $120
- Collaborative begins at $60
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @dorothyrobbins
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NMQjGBTPMQ&list=PLU1k5rCq7dWKGutC8wSNwyBLsPXKqt_SR
