Robert McCormick

Robert McCormick, a distinguished figure in the percussion world—currently a freelance musician, educator, and founder/director of the McCormick Percussion Group.

Robert McCormick is a highly respected percussionist, educator, and ensemble director with a remarkable career:

  • Performance Career

    • Served as principal percussionist and assistant timpanist with the Florida Orchestra for two decades.

    • Was a member of the Harry Partch Ensemble, specializing in contemporary and experimental repertoire.

  • Academic & Educational Leadership

    • Taught at the University of South Florida for 45 years, earning the title of Distinguished Teacher Award recipient.

  • Artistic Projects

    • Founded the McCormick Percussion Group, which has recorded over 25 critically acclaimed CDs, focusing on new chamber ensemble works.

    • Co-led the McCormick Duo (flute and percussion) with his wife Kim McCormick, championing repertoire in the flute-percussion genre.

    • Initiated and hosted the McCormick Marimba Festival, attracting major marimbists and ensembles worldwide.

  • Premieres & Collaborations

    • Conducted the world premiere of Chan Hae Lee’s Korean folk opera Simcheongga at Seoul’s National Center of Performing Arts in 2010.

    • Performed the world premiere of Baljinder Sekhon’s Double Percussion Concerto at Carnegie Hall in 2014, alongside percussionist Lee Hinkle.

  • Honors & Recognition

    • Florida Music Educator of the Year (2006).

    • Grand Prize in the Keystone Percussion Composition Award (2007).

    • University Distinguished Teacher Award (2010).

    • Recipient of the Percussive Arts Society Lifetime Achievement in Education Award (2015).

    • His recordings have earned several Global Music Awards and are widely distributed via Ravello/Naxos labels.

  • Publications

    • Authored important pedagogical works including Percussion for Musicians and 32 Duets for Percussion, as well as solos like Three Dances for Solo Timpani.

From Robert McCormick