Robert Marler

Biography

Dr. Robert Marler is a pianist, educator, and recording artist of international acclaim. He serves as Principal Keyboardist of the Nashville Symphony and Professor of Piano at Belmont University, where he mentors the next generation of performers.

With the Nashville Symphony, he has appeared in subscription concerts, premieres, and recordings that have garnered seven GRAMMY® Awards. His repertoire highlights range from Stravinsky’s  Petrushka to Gershwin’s  Rhapsody in Blue and several other concertos. He has also performed and recorded with the Buffalo Philharmonic and the ROCO orchestra in Houston. 

As a recording artist, Marler’s collaboration with cellist Carmine Miranda on Rachmaninov & Shostakovich: Sonatas for Cello and Piano (Navona Records) received the Global Music Award Gold Medal for Classical Album and international critical acclaim released in 2023:

   •   Gramophone: “Marler and Miranda catch the music’s mercurial, passionate nature… giving even Rostropovich and the composer a run for their money.”

   •   BBC Music Magazine (4/4 stars): “Passionate and delicate as the mood demands, and never indulgent.”

   •   The Whole Note: “It’s hard to imagine a more gorgeous performance than this one.”

   •   Infodad: “A first-class recording… filled with power, lyricism, and precision.”

   •   Take Effect: “A duo that clearly belongs in the company of the finest interpreters… breathtaking from start to finish.”

The recording was featured on the cover of RITMO magazine in Spain, placed on top of international playlists, and reached Amazon’s classical bestsellers list.

He has also recorded on numerous Nashville sessions, including video game music for Sony PlayStation, music for TV and movie trailers. 

Marler holds the Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, the Master of Music in Piano Performance from Indiana University, and the Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Missouri.