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Robert Kerr holds a Bachelor of Music Degree from the North Carolina School of the Arts, and a Master of Music Degree from the University of Tulsa. In addition, he was awarded a scholarship to study composition in Scotland with Ronald Stevenson. As a freelance composer, Robert has written music for Universal Studios, NASA, the Walt Disney World Company, and Barney. In 1999, Robert released an internationally distributed album “Portrait of Love” with pianist Rick Silanskas, featuring Robert’s violin solos, and orchestrations. In May of ’99, he appeared as the violin soloist at “Hard Rock Live” Universal Studios, for a special concert recorded for television. Since that time, the television special has been seen in over 15 countries worldwide. In addition, he was a featured celebrity and soloist in the 68th annual Hollywood Christmas Parade, and has been seen by an estimated 41 million people live on Univision’s “Despierta America.”(Good Morning America.)
In 2001, Robert was commissioned to write a work for the Deanery Children’s Choir at St. Luke’s Episcopal Cathedral in Orlando. His “Prayer for Peace” has been sung there many times since its premiere and was chosen as the featured new work for the 2002 AGO convention. Hinshaw Music selected Robert’s “Prayer” for publication.
In 2002, Robert’s first Symphony, “Symphonic Celebration-Darkness, Hope, & Spirit” was commissioned by the Brevard Symphony Orchestra and premiered at the King Center in Melbourne, Florida honoring the Symphonies 49th season. The work was so well received, that again, in September 2003, another work by Robert entitled “American Journey” was chosen for the opening concert of the Orchestra's 50th season.
In 2004, Robert completed his magnum opus, the "Concerto for Bass and Orchestra" which bass legend, Gary Karr wrote, "...We have just finished reading the 2nd movement and we were gob-smacked! This is the best concerto for bass I have ever seen..."
In February 2005, the Charlotte Philharmonic Orchestra performed Robert’s popular work for solo fiddle and orchestra “Irish Legend.” Robert served as soloist for the performance.
In 2005, Robert completed a companion work to the popular “Prayer for Peace” written for Ben Lane and the St. Luke’s children’s choir entitled “Sing To The Lord A New Song.” This work was performed in Prague on the Choir’s “Prayer for Peace Tour.”
In April, 2005, Robert's published work entitled "Dreamer's Farewell" was performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Robert is a founding member of the Emerald String Quartet. The group performed together for eight years, and in addition to many concert appearances locally, they performed in Japan, Scotland, and Peru. Robert’s music is featured on the quartet’s first album, ‘Celtic Threads,' which is available at Amazon.com.
Robert is also a frequent soloist and clinician for Disney's Magic Music Days. On April 18th, 2006, Robert performed at Epcot with the Strongsville, Ohio High School Orchestra as the Disney's "Featured Performer" on his own arrangement of Orange Blossom Special.
On March 8th, 2008, Robert's Bass Concerto was premiered in South Dakota with the Black Hills Symphony, featuring soloist Michael Hill. In June, 2008, The Florida Young Artists Orchestra premiered his "Ponce de Leon Suite" for full orchestra in Carnegie Hall to a standing ovation.
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In 2010, his symphony entitled, "Legendary Florida: A Historical Portrait in Sound," commissioned by the Museum of Florida Art, premiered at the Athens Theatre in Deland, FL. This performance involved 60 orchestra members, a 40 voice choir, and a multi-media presentation featuring the paintings of Jackson Walker. Commissioned now over fifty times and frequently published, Robert’s music can be found at his web-site, as well as at Alfred Publishing Co., Inc, FJH Publishing, Latham Music Enterprises, and Hinshaw Music.
Robert lives in Orlando with his wife, Marcia, and six wonderful children, Ashleigh, Bob, Katie, Zach, Luke, and Colin.