Phillip C. Roberts, D.M.A.

About Phillip

Phillip C. Roberts is a composer and performer with a penchant for music theory. His compositions range from peacefully ambient to rhythmically driving. Each is a passion-project, often tied to art, architecture, or literature. His chamber opera, Madeline Usher, provides an updated take on “The Fall of the House of Usher” by Edgar Allan Poe, while his orchestral work, The Library, mirrors the supposed proportions of the Library of Alexandria. Other pieces by Roberts have been featured in plays, short films, and radio broadcasts. Some of the commissions Roberts has fulfilled include compositions for the University of Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Luray Singers, and the opening of the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts. John Hilliard, Marilyn Shrude, and Michael Fiday are among the composers with whom he has studied.

As a pianist and organist, Roberts is an active recitalist, championing not only his own works but those of his fellow composers. He is the keyboardist for Trio Apéritif, an ensemble he recently co-founded together with violinist Annette Misener and cellist Michael Ronstadt. He was a pianist for the Cincinnati Ballet and has toured the East Coast and United Kingdom as an accompanist for vocalists and choirs.

Arts education is an area to which Roberts has devoted himself, and he is perhaps foremost above everything else a teacher. In addition to teaching at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp, Roberts is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Composition and Music Theory at Miami University. Between the two, he has been an instructor for Music Theory, Aural Skills, Counterpoint, Computer Music, Composition Seminar, and Composition Lessons. Roberts strives to create moments of discovery and artistic fulfillment for students through methods that help them feel connected to the subject material, and ultimately give them the creative thinking tools to make such discoveries on their own.

I strive to create moments of discovery and artistic fulfillment for students through methods that help them feel connected to the subject material, and ultimately give them the creative thinking tools to make such discoveries on their own.