Robert Blocker, the William Edward Gilbert Professor of Piano at Yale University and former dean of the Yale School of Music, has forged an inspired and multifaceted career as an internationally acclaimed pianist, impassioned educator, and renowned transformative leader.  The Los Angeles Times described Blocker as an “artist of great skill and accomplishment” who performs with “a measurable virtuoso bent and considerable sensitivity,” while The Straits Times (Singapore) lauded the “beauty and sincerity” of his playing.  A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Blocker began his study of piano at age five and presented his first public recital two years later.  Today, Blocker performs throughout the world as a recitalist, chamber musician, and concerto soloist.  Yearly he tours in China, where he has performed with Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Suzhou, and other symphonies in the major concert venues of the country.  

He is an Honorary Professor at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music and curates an artist series at Yale Center Beijing.  His newest recording, Contemporary Character Pieces for Piano featuring works of Yale composers, was recently released by Nimbus (UK), and Yale University Press published his second book, Music: The Currency of Hope.