Robert S.P. Gardner

Robert S.P. Gardner has studied music theory, composition and bass playing at Augsburg College, jazz arranging at Indiana University, and band arranging and bass pedagogy at Northwestern University. Further studies include composition and arranging with Frederic Douglas Norman, staff arranger for Mercury Records and the NBC Orchestra, and Danny Holgate of the Manhattan School of Music.

He holds an M.A. in Fine Arts/Integrated Arts Education from University of Montana’s Creative Pulse program, and an M.A. in Religious Studies, Philosophy and Literature from Indiana University. In 2010, Gardner was chosen as an inaugural member of the Composer Teaching Artist Training Program with the American Composers Forum.

Since arriving in Rochester, Minnesota in 1991, Gardner has been active as a full-time educator as well as a freelance bassist, composer, and arranger. His works have been performed locally by Rochester Chamber Music Society, Choral Arts Ensemble, Children’s Dance Theatre, SEMYO, Sonata Singers, and St. Paul City Ballet. He serves as Chair of Fine Arts at Rochester Lourdes High School.