Robert Jospé

Robert Jospé is a Lecturer at the University of Virginia's Department of Music, teaching jazz drumming and rhythmic fluency courses. Since 1989, he has been an active member of UVA's faculty jazz ensemble, The Free Bridge Quintet, and has led his own groups, including the Robert Jospé Express, Trio, and Quartet. His career spans decades of performance, education, and community engagement through music.

• Education: Studied at Berklee College of Music summer session, New York University
• Key Collaborations: Worked with jazz luminaries like Michael Brecker, Bobby McFerrin, and John D'earth
• Research Focus: Integrates jazz, fusion, Latin, and African rhythms into contemporary drumming pedagogy
• Community Impact: Founded educational programs like World Beat Workshop and Rhythm and Resilience

Scientific Awards & Recognitions:

• Artist, Educator of the Year, Charlottesville Jazz Society (2012)
• Independent Music Award Jazz Finalist

Grants & Collaborations: Received annual touring grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts since 1992. Co-developed educational components for UVA Professor Scott DeVeaux's jazz curriculum.

Performance & Pedagogy: Active in the mid-Atlantic music scene since 1990 with eight studio albums. His instructional book/DVD Learn to Groove (2008) systematizes hand drumming education. The Free Bridge Quintet and Robert Jospé Express continue to perform and record.