About Robert Lee

Education: Rob has had the opportunity to study with some incredible teachers including Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck), John Riley (Manhattan School Of Music, Village Vanguard Orchestra), David Lee (Sonny Rollins, Ellis Marsalis), Gordy Knudtson (Steve Miller Band) and Leland Beach (Louisiana Philharmonic). Rob studied for one year at the University of New Orleans in the Jazz Studies program and has recently begun to study music production at the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC).

Performance Experience: Rob has been a full-time professional musician for over 30 years. Over the course of his career, he has played and/or recorded with some of the finest musicians in their respective genres. Mike Zito, Samantha Fish, John 'Papa' Gros, Johnny Sansone, Danny and Pat Liston, John McVey, Alan Haynes and Javier Mendoza are just a few of the artists he has worked with in recent years. Rob has toured throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Japan and New Zealand and has played for Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Teaching Experience: Over the course of his professional career as a working musician, Rob has always maintained an active private teaching schedule. In 2019, he joined the Fairview Heights Music & Arts team, where he is happy to be able to offer his drumming skills, experience, enthusiasm and overall musicianship to the community.

Teaching Philosophy: Rob's main goal as a teacher is to tailor his lessons to the specific needs or musical interests of his students, while providing strong technical fundamentals. He's a firm believer in meeting the student where they are and offering, guidance, encouragement and pathways for improvement based on the ultimate musical goals of the individual. He believes passionately in the philosophy of lifelong learning and development, and considers himself to be a perpetual student of music as well.