Robert Cardon-Wake
About
Hello! I'm Robert Cardon-Wake. I've earned degrees in trombone performance and pedagogy from Vanderbilt University and the University of Denver. I serve as the Associate Instructor for the trombone department at Indiana University, where I am currently earning a doctorate in trombone performance. I've been performing for more than a decade and teaching for 6 years; I'd love to help you meet your musical goals!
Teaching Style
I believe students improve quickly when they utilize their passion. I focus on connecting trombone playing to my students' musical and non-musical interests, so that everything they learn to do on the instrument enriches their lives in a meaningful way. Learning music should be fun!
Curriculum
I believe that specific materials must be assigned based on student needs and goals, but with all my students I take a tiered approach. Rather than assigning students a week's worth of material to prepare, I like to give them options-- a sort of menu of practice strategies and repertoire which they can use to guide their practice.
Credentials & Affiliations
EDUCATION
Doctor of Music, Trombone Performance
Indiana University
(Associate Instructor, 2025-2026)
Bloomington, IN Expected 2026
Master of Music, Trombone Performance
University of Denver
Denver, CO 2021 - 2023
Bachelor of Music, Trombone Performance
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN 2017-2021
PROFESSIONAL ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE
Substitute – Orchestra Indiana Muncie, IN 2024 - Present
Substitute – American Festival Chorus and Orchestra Logan, UT 2023 - Present
FESTIVALS
Participant – Sewanee Summer Music Festival
(Full Scholarship Recipient)
Sewanee, TN 2024 & 2022
Participant – Rafael Mendez Brass Institute
(Full Scholarship Recipient)
Denver, CO 2022
Participant – Pokorny Low Brass Seminar DeKalb, IL 2020
Performer – Southeast Trombone Symposium Columbus, GA 2020 & 2019
PROFESSIONAL CHAMBER ENSEMBLES
Indiana University Associate Instructor Quintet Bloomington, IN 2024-Present
(Responsible for ceremonial music at all IU-Bloomington and IU Indianapolis commencement ceremonies and many other formal occasions)
Sewanee Faculty Quintet Sewanee, TN 2024
(Selected to substitute for Dr. Martin McCain and perform with the
faculty quintet at the festival and in surrounding towns)
Colorado Trombone Quartet Denver, CO 2021-2023
Featured Ensemble – BIG 12 Trombone Conference 2022 & 2023
First Prize– Lamont Chamber Competition