Dr. Robert Brooks

Dr. Robert Brooks

Dr. Robert Brooks is a jazz saxophonist, woodwind doubler, composer, and educator dedicated to cultivating the tradition of jazz education. He holds a DMA and MM from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a BM from Central Michigan University. He currently serves as associated faculty in Jazz Studies at The Ohio State University teaching the jazz saxophone studio and improvisation. Robert’s most recent releases, “Accidental Nomad” and “New Standard Duo” on Ropeadope Records, have received critical acclaim. He has toured with Reginald Chapman’s “Pressure Fit,” Sun Stereo, and the World Famous Glenn Miller. He has also performed with jazz legends including Bob Mintzer, Bobby Shew, Jim Rupp, Tom “Bones” Malone, the Temptations and many more.

With his wife, Dr. Lara Brooks, they have created The Sax & Serenade Duo, a boundary-pushing collaboration that aims to blend classical / ccm voice with the versatility of jazz tenor saxophone. The group crafts innovative works that defy traditional expectations. With their captivating performances and unique interpretive possibilities, The Sax & Serenade Duo takes contemporary music to new heights, inviting audiences on an enchanting journey of genre-blending melodies and emotive storytelling. Their most recent collaboration is with composer Griffin Candey, seeking to infuse unique voicing and unconventional themes into the realm of Western Art Music.

Brooks’ passion for jazz performance and pedagogy comes through the lens of small-ensemble performance and a focus on exploring improvisation within the language of jazz and from other disciplines. In addition to his expertise in jazz improvisation, he also has strong roots in the tradition of classical saxophone, clarinet and flute; he has performed in pit orchestras for the national tours of Kinky Boots and Chicago as well as multiple productions at The Little Theatre on the Square and The Columbus Children’s Theater.

Dr. Brooks proudly endorses P. Mauriat Saxophones, Clarinets, and Flutes; Silverstein Works ligatures and reeds; SYOS mouthpieces; and KeyLeaves products.