Robert holds a Bachelors degree in Music Theory and Composition from Azusa Pacific University, a Masters 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. 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 been commissioned by Azusa Pacific University and his piece “American Fanfare” was chosen as a finalist in the 2013 Call for Fanfares contest. His music’s wide range of influences includes 20/21st century concert music, jazz, film scores, folk music, popular song, and electronic dance music. As a performer, he has played in groups across Southern California and Arizona. Robert plays several different keyboard instruments including piano, Fender rhodes, Clavinet, Hammond organ, and his personal favorite: keytar. He is also a highly skilled synthesizer operator/drum machine programmer. Dr. Gillam is an active educator, having taught music theory, musicianship, orchestration, music technology/production, MIDI programming, synthesis, piano, American popular music history, and video production at several higher-education institutions across the United States. Robert currently resides in Fairfax, Virginia.