Biography

the music of robert summers potterton iii

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Robert Summers Potterton III (b. 1986) establishing himself as a composer, conductor, keyboardist, and music educator for nearly a decade. He has worked in virtually every genre, from ancient chant to electronica, combining his classical training with years of experience in improvisation. He is presently employed as Minister of Music & Organist at Saint Luke Evangelical Lutheran Church in Dedham, Massachusetts.

A native of Connecticut, Robert began studying piano and organ at age eleven, after years of playing solely by ear. He was responsible for much of the musical activity at his high school, including acting as choir accompanist, worship team leader, and pianist for nearly all of the school’s events, including seven consecutive graduation ceremonies. A self-taught composer and conductor until age eighteen, he engaged in writing for theater and local television productions while still in high school, in addition to regularly performing for a number of area churches.

In 2008, Robert graduated from Houghton College with the Bachelor of Music degree, cum laude, with double-majors in Composition and Organ Performance and minors in Bible and Applied Harpsichord. While in college, he became involved with independent film scoring and songwriting, establishing valuable connections with directors, producers, lyricists, and musicians from as far away as Singapore. During his first year in college, he received the Service Playing Certificate from the AGO. He participated twice in the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra Young Composers Forum, and went on to receive scholarships for organ and music entrepreneurship during his final two years. At age twenty, he became one of the youngest Deans in the history of the American Guild of Organists, and received highest marks on both of his senior recitals.

Robert currently resides outside of Boston, Massachusetts, with his wife, Carissa. In addition to pursuing full-time composition and organ practice this coming year, he hopes to begin study towards a graduate degree, eventually leading to doctoral study in composition. His current projects include a videogame being produced in England, a musical written by a well-known Illinois playwright, and an oboe concerto for April Cap, who has appeared with Yanni and Josh Groban.

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