Robert Kessling

Robert grew up in many different places, as the son of a Navy Chief. His musical training began at the age of 8. Robert received his Bachelors of Music Cum Laude in 1999 from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Robert has played and taught professionally since the age of 16. In percussion, he is presently the Principal Percussionist of The Jackson Symphony Orchestra in Jackson, TN. Throughout his lifetime he has studied with extensively and/or taken lessons with some of the world’s finest percussionists including Gary Werdeshiem (Professor of Percussion retired, Florida State University), Alan Abel (Ass. Principal of the Philadelphia Philharmonic retired), and Richard Albagli (Professor of Percussion SUNY Albany, Albany Symphony).

On the drum set, Robert has performed in virtually any and every professional situation including 5 years as an active duty United States Navy band drummer, 3 years as a side man and band leader for the main show cruise ships bands, studio recording, clinics, pop’s concerts for orchestras, Broadway show pit orchestras and live performances/touring. Robert has toured extensively with every style of commercial music including jazz, big band, funk, rock, heavy metal, country, Dixieland, and blues.

Robert is endorsed by Grover Pro Percussion, Evans Drumheads, ProMark DrumSticks & Impression Cymbals.