ROBERT WALZEL

Robert Walzel joins the MSM faculty in 2026 as Clarinet Professor and Woodwind Area Coordinator. Previous appointments include Professor Emeritus and founding dean of the University of Kansas School of Music, as well as positions at the University of Kansas, the University of Utah, Sam Houston State University, and 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 mediums 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 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.

For eleven years, Walzel served on the faculty at Texas Tech University and as Principal Clarinetist of the Lubbock Symphony Orchestra. Previous administrative leadership positions include those at Sam Houston State University in Texas and at the University of Utah. A past president of the International Clarinet Association, Walzel was recognized in 2024 as an Honorary Member of this, 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.