Radford University
Robert Trent
Professor
Music, Dept of
- Phone:
- (540) 831-5117
- Address:
-
Artis 228K
PO Box 6968 - Email:
- rstrent@radford.edu
Focus and Philosophy: Dr. Trent’s fundamental belief is that music transforms lives. That the guitar, in all its forms, is the universal instrument present in nearly every style of music and culture world-wide; and that the study of guitar is the perfect gateway to multiple career opportunities in our ever-changing musical world. “The guitar changed my life, and I am passionate in my desire to guide students towards their unique musical life through the study of guitar. Music is life lessons.”
Background: Early experiences with keyboard and choral singing led Dr. Trent to the need to find his own musical ‘voice’. It was, in high school that his discovery of the classical guitar and its music compelled him to choose the life of a musician. Almost immediately, the image of a future career became clear; to become an internationally active performer who shares the depth of that knowledge with his students. “I have found nothing to be more fulfilling than these two inextricably intertwined aspects of a musical life”, he says.
Teaching: Dr. Trent has successfully mentored students as musical entrepreneurs, teachers, recording artists, performers, administrators, and music therapists who have become successful in their respective careers, regionally, nationally, and internationally. Many former students have become educators themselves, from public schools to higher education, and most are active performers, including performing and recording on the national and international scene. From Carnegie Hall to Lauryn Hill, Trent's students have a track record of making their mark.
Research/Scholarship/Creative Work: Dr. Trent frequently engages his students in creative scholarship research in commercial environments such as the NAXOS recording company, and guided students to publications of their own arrangements and compositions for Guitar Chamber Music Press. In his own professional work, he is sought after worldwide as masterclass teacher, performer, and recording artist, with an extensive list of recordings, earning accolades in publishing and live performance (see additional information below). He is the recipient of Radford University’s Dalton Eminent Scholar Award (2021) and Distinguished Creative Scholar Award (2020).