ROBERT WALZEL

Robert Walzel joined the faculty of the Moores School of Music in Spring 2026 and was appointed Interim Director and Visiting Professor of Clarinet in July 2026. He served as the founding dean of the University of Kansas School of Music and previously served as director of the Schools of Music at the University of Utah and Sam Houston State University. For eleven years, Walzel was Professor of Clarinet at Texas Tech University.

Walzel’s clarinet students have successful careers in elite professional performing ensembles, college teaching positions, directing public school bands, private teaching, and a host of other endeavors. Walzel performs extensively in essentially all media featuring clarinet and saxophone. He is hailed by critics as a “remarkable clarinet virtuoso” possessing “great finesse,” a “rich, warm, focused tone,” and “effortless technique.”

Walzel has performed in over 30 countries and presented master classes and lectures at several of the world’s leading music schools. Partnering with pianist Steven Glaser as the Con Fuoco Duo, a collaboration extending more than 35 years, Walzel has toured as an Artistic Ambassador for the United States Information Agency (Department of State).

A proponent of jazz and other culturally influenced music, he has premiered and recorded several new works written for him. He is featured on multiple recording labels, including Klavier, Albany, Navona, Con Fuoco Digital, and Mark Records. While on the faculty at Texas Tech University, Walzel was Principal Clarinetist of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra.

A Past President of the International Clarinet Association, Walzel was recognized in 2024 as an Honorary Member of the organization, the world’s largest organization of clarinetists. Serving two full terms on the Commission on Accreditation for the National Association of Schools of Music, he continues as a consultant and visiting evaluator for this important academic accrediting agency.

Holding baccalaureate and master’s degrees in music from the University of Houston, Walzel was named the 2023 Alumnus of the Year for the Moores School of Music. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas.