Biography:
Robert Schmidt has worked as an adjunct professor at UT since 2009. He is currently serving as the trumpet professor and director of the Brass Ensemble. He and has taught other classes including Music Appreciation, Brass Methods and Director of Athletic Bands.
He is currently the WCSD District Arts Coordinator. He previously taught at Desert Hills Middle School, Delta Middle School, Dixie High School, East Elementary, Coral Canyon 6thGrade Center, Sunrise Ridge Intermediate School.
Robert grew up in Salt Lake and graduated from Taylorsville High School. He graduated from Dixie Jr. College with an Associate of Arts in 1991. Robert then graduated from Weber State University with Bachelor of Arts in Music Education in 1994. While teaching, he earned a degree from Utah State University in 2005: a Masters of Education in Instructional Technology. He also completed a Technology Endorsement through Southern Utah University in 2009. During his teaching career, Robert has taught band, orchestra, choir, elementary music, math, and reading.
Robert stays active as a performer in Southern Utah by participating in a variety of ensembles including the Southwest Symphony, Rebel Jazz Band, Utah Tech Symphony Orchestra and more. He has played for many shows at the Tuacahn summer theater as well as the Shakespeare Festival in Cedar City. Additionally, Robert has enjoyed the privilege of performing with Wayne Newton, Peter Cetera and Celtic Woman.
Robert has been recognized as Teacher of the Year for Millard School District (2000), St. George Magazine Teacher of the Year (2009), AFT Teacher of the Month for Washington County, UMEA Junior High Teacher of the Year (2013) and has received the Washington County Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Teaching.
More than anything else, Robert’s greatest joy has come from being happily married for the last 28 years to his wife Rebecca. They have three children who keep Robert busy working multiple jobs to support their educational interests. Robert enjoys running, biking, swimming and golfing and an occasional nap.
“Over my twenty one years of teaching, I have been able to teach students from first grade through college and I enjoy every age. I am constantly learning from students and their amazing abilities and talents and I appreciate being able to inspire them to greater heights in music and their educational process. No matter the subject or the age, being engaged with the students in the classroom is inspiring to me. The performing groups I have conducted have won many awards through the years, but the best memories for me come from my interactions with the students in the classroom and during the performance process. I strive to teach as many students as possible to love music and have success in their education.”