Maestro Jon Robertson, Dean of the Lynn University Conservatory of Music in Boca Raton, Florida, and conductor of the Redlands Symphony, has enjoyed a remarkable career. A child prodigy in piano, he debuted at age nine as a concert pianist in Town Hall, New York. During subsequent study with Ethel Leginska in Los Angeles, Robertson played numerous recitals that established his reputation as a brilliant pianist and led to a full scholarship to attend the Juilliard School of Music, where he began his studies at age 17. He completed B.M., M.S., and D.M.A. degrees in piano there, studying under Beveridge Webster.

During his study at Juilliard, he became interested in and began study in choral conducting with Abraham Kaplan. He pursued additional study in conducting at the New England Conservatory of Music with Richard Pittman and eventually traveled to Europe where he studied with Maestro Herbert Blomstedt. Robertson and Blomstedt developed a close professional relationship that has continued for many years. Most notable was their work at Loma Linda University where Robertson served as Blomstedt's associate in the International Orchestral Conducting Institute from 1971-1984.

In 1967, Robertson accepted a position as chair of the music department at Oakwood College. In his second year, he assumed direction of the choral program. His musicianship, high ideals and standards in performance, and vision of what he wanted to do invigorated both the department and choral groups. At his last concert of his first year with the choir, they presented a performance of the Verdi Requiem, assisted by the Huntsville Symphony. The unqualified success of that concert led to a critically acclaimed repeat performance on Easter Sunday of the following year at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. A few weeks later, the choir presented both the Beethoven Choral Fantasia, Opus 80, and Rossini's Stabat Mater in their closing concert.

Impressed with the depth of talent and quality of voices in the students at OC, he arranged for several of them to gain admission to Juilliard. The campus was deeply disappointed when he accepted chairmanship of the music department at Atlantic Union College at the end of his third year.

He envisioned a sophisticated multi-faceted program and, as part of his agreement to go to AUC, was given the historic Thayer Mansion in which to house this expanded program. His arrival on campus was delayed until 1972 because of graduate study at Juilliard. He immediately established a comprehensive conservatory-style program that included an extensive preparatory program in addition to the college program. He then staffed the program with highly qualified musicians residing in that culturally rich area.

In the fall of 1974, Robertson presented the Thayer Conservatory Orchestra, a large symphony orchestra, staffed by qualified students and outstanding musicians from the area, in an inaugural concert that stunned and excited the campus and community. Under his leadership, the music program was transformed into a vibrant interactive force in the community. His departure in 1976 to pursue additional study in conducting in Europe under Blomstedt created more than the usual concern about the future of the AUC music program and conservatory orchestra.

Robertson has since guest conducted extensively in the U.S. and throughout the world. In addition to guest conducting the San Francisco Symphony, he has led the Beijing Central Philharmonic, the American Symphony Orchestra in New York, the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, and others. He was named Principal Guest Conductor of the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra in 1999.

He was permanent conductor and music director of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra in Norway from 1979-1987 and assumed direction of the Redlands Symphony Orchestra in 1982, a post he still retains. Under his leadership, the RSO has earned an "Exemplary" rating, highest ranking possible, from the California Arts Council for several years. His 25^th year as conductor at RSO, which coincided with the university's centennial year, was celebrated in the 2006-2007 season. Its opening concert featured him both as conductor and as a piano soloist.

Robertson participates in an ongoing basis in the Pianofest Austria, a festival specializing in the performance of Beethoven and Mozart concertos. In this annual event, he coaches pianists, who have been chosen through international auditions, in the art of soloing with an orchestra.

He joined the University of California at Los Angeles music faculty in 1992 as professor of music and conductor of the UCLA Philharmonia Orchestra. The following year he became chair of the music department, a position he held until 2004. During his tenure, he initiated numerous outreach programs using UCLA music students to provide music experiences for those who would not normally have access to lessons and concerts. He received the university's Fair and Open Environment Award in 1998 for this work. He became an emeritus professor at UCLA in 2005, when he retired as conductor of the UCLA orchestra.

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