Dr. Robert Gillam

Robert Gillam
Titles and Organizations

Director of MUSIC TECHNOLOGY and COMPOSITION, Dewberry School of Music, CVPA

Contact Information

Campus: Fairfax
Building: de Laski Performing Arts Bldg
Mail Stop: 3E3
Email: rgillam@gmuedu

Biography

Robert W. Gillam holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Theory and Composition from Azusa Pacific University, a master’s degree in Commercial Music from California State University Los Angeles, and a doctoral degree from the University of Arizona in Music Composition with a minor in Music Theory. He also holds a certificate in film scoring from the highly acclaimed UCLA extension program in Los Angeles.

Dr. Gillam is an active educator, having taught at several higher-education institutions across the United States. His primary areas of interest are in music technology, composition, sound design, commercial music and music for media. While teaching at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, Robert helped develop and implement an innovative sound design curriculum.

As a composer, Robert has written music for several independent films and his concert music has been performed in the U.S. and in Europe.  He has received commissions from the Azusa Pacific University Wind Ensemble and his piece “American Fanfare” was chosen as a finalist in the 2013 Dallas Winds Call for Fanfares competition. His music’s wide range of influences includes 20/21st century concert music, jazz, film scores, folk music, popular song, and electronic dance music.

Dr. Gillam is also active as a performer. He has played in groups across Southern California, Arizona, and Texas. Robert plays several different keyboard instruments including piano, Hammond organ, and his personal favorite: keytar. He is also a highly skilled synthesizer and drum machine programmer.

Associate Term Professor of Music

  • Music Technology courses

Education: 

  • B.M., Azusa Pacific University
  • M.M., California State University Los Angeles
  • D.M.A., University of Arizona