Robert Ross combines the skills of an award winning singer, songwriter and guitarist with that of a seasoned educator. As a teaching artist since the spring of 2001, Robert (students call him Mr. Bluesman) has completed 38 residencies in NY Public Schools with all grades from K to 12 including classes of at risk teens, out of school teens, and students with learning disabilities. He has conducted 7 professional development workshops for teachers, teaching artists, administrators, and artists on how to integrate music with the curriculum at Flushing Town Hall, BRIC Rotun­da Gallery, Brooklyn Museum and with the Superflux Collective at various venues. Robert has won 4 New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) LCB Re-grants and his 2009 submission, “From I Have A Dream to Yes We Can” was cited for “best practice in arts in education col­laboration.” The panel also doubled the size of the grant request.

Robert uses work songs, blues, spirituals, jazz, folk, rock ‘n’ roll, protest, and union songs to illuminate issues and events in our nation’s history. His pro­grams are designed to foster tolerance, nonviolence and peace. Students develop critical thinking skills, language skills and a deeper appreciation for the arts. He has also integrated music with Spanish, math, and science.