Bio
- B.A. Composition, University of North Texas, 1987
- M.A. Composition, Queens College of the City University of New York, 1990
- Two years of doctoral study in composition, theory and musicology, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, 1990-1992
A native of Austin, Texas, Robert Wilks began his musical life playing in wind ensembles and jazz bands as a trombonist in high school and university. Later he studied composition with Cindy McTee at the University of North Texas and with Henry Weinberg and Thea Musgrave at the City University of New York. In 1988 he participated in the Center for Compositional Studies in Aspen, Colorado, working with Jacob Druckman and Bernard Rands.
In 1992 he came to the realization that the academic world was not the ideal environment for development as an artist and since then he has pursued two non-musical careers while continuing to compose. His musical journey has included a wide variety of experiences, including playing in a gamelan ensemble in Woodstock, New York, and singing in several vocal ensembles across the US.
He has written works for various solo instruments, chamber ensembles, and choir. His influences are broad but two key areas of influence are classical music of the first half of the 20th century and jazz from the second half of the 20th century. Inspirations come from nature, literature, and philosophy. In each piece he aims for clarity of form, consistency of language, and the communication of a central idea or feeling.
He has been living in Guadalajara, México, since 2009.