Robert K. Reed
Cellist
Professor of Music
BMCC/CUNY
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BMCC — City University of New York
Dr. Reed is Deputy Chair and Music Program Director for the Music & Art Department. As a professional cellist, he oversees all of the string activities and is music director and conductor of the BMCC String Chamber Orchestra (MUS701). Dr. Reed was integral in the writing and formation of BMCC’s inaugural music major. Since its inception he has assisted in all aspects of the implementation and continuity of the program. In addition to his service to the department and college, Dr. Reed also conducts extensive research on cello, string, and orchestral repertoire.
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Research & Grants
The Bach Six Solo Cello Suites Project focused on The Six Suites for Solo Violoncello, BWV 1007-1012 by J.S. Bach. The years 2017 to 2023 mark the 300th anniversary of these remarkable works, which are considered a tour de force for cellists to perform. Cellists treat these works as a milestone of artistic and technical achievement. However, there are many aspects of performing the suites that raise questions about 18th century performance practice, how to achieve an historically informed performance on a modern cello, and questions about what is, or is not, “authentic” for these suites since there is not a copy of the original in Bach’s own hand. The Lectures that accompanied each recital explored many of these questions and attempted to address some aspects about implied counterpoint for a single line instrument, motivic development, harmonic structure, ornamentation, and form of the suites.
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Professional Activities
Dr. Reed is a sought after clinician and adjudicator. He is also a founding board member of the Musica Trinitatis Concert Series at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Manhattan, and is currently the Vice President of the prestigious Violoncello Society, Inc. in New York City.
Short Bio
Dr. Reed is an accomplished cellist and educator with an active performing schedule that includes solo and chamber recitals, and solo appearances with numerous orchestras. Since 1998 he has been a frequent guest of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, with whom he has toured Europe and Japan. He holds degrees in performance from New England Conservatory and from the University of Michigan where he received his doctorate. Dr. Reed counts among his teachers Lawrence Lesser, Stephen Kates, Colin Carr, Erling Blondal Bengtsson, and distinguished pedagogue, Louis Potter, Jr. (author of the Art of Cello Playing). Dr. Reed’s extensive experience as a chamber musician has been shaped by coaching from such figures as Leon Fleischer, Eugene Lehner, Benjamin Zander, members of the Juilliard and Cleveland String Quartets, victor Rosenbaum, Russell Sherman, and Martin Katz. Reed was also a member of the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra for over 15 years, and he has appeared in performance with many notable celebrities such as the Three Tenors, Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, John Denver, Rod Stewart, Yes, Deep Purple, the Beach Boys, Mary J. Blige, Earth Wind and Fire, and Andrea Bocelli, to name just a few.
Dr. Reed has held teaching positions at Eastern Michigan University, Hillsdale College, Albion College, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and Interlochen Summer Music Camp. Dr. Reed is currently Associate Professor of Music at BMCC/City University of New York. He was a founding member of the Musica Trinitatis Concert Series at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Manhattan, former Treasurer for the Michigan Chapter of The American String Teachers Association, and is currently the Vice President of the prestigious Violoncello Society, Inc. in New York City.