Robert Willoughby, master flutist and distinguished teacher, received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music in 1942 and his Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory. Currently a member of the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory, he was formerly principal flutist with the Cincinnati Orchestra and assistant first flutist with the Cleveland Orchestra. For many years, he was Professor of Flute at the Oberlin Conservatory, where he was the first recipient of the Wheeler Chair in Performance.
Robert Willoughby has a busy schedule of concert appearances. As the founding member of the Oberlin Baroque Ensemble and of the Oberlin Woodwind Quintet, he has toured extensively in both Europe and the Orient, and as a recording artist he has an impressive discography, including works issued through Gasparo, Vox, CRI, Coronet, and Smithsonian Records. Moreover, such prominent contemporary composers as Easley Blackwood and Thea Musgrave have produced commissioned works for him.
Interested in both modern and Baroque flute, he has lectured and taught master classes at several universities and at summer festivals. As may well be expected, his students have distinguished themselves by following in his footsteps and achieving excellence as both performers and teachers.
For his contributions to music and in recognition of his admirable career, the Eastman School of Music honors him with the Alumni Achievement Award and wishes him continued success.
Rochester, New York
October 12, 1991