Raised on a farm in northern Minnesota, Head of Woodwind Rob Glaesemann credits his upbringing with instilling the commitment, ingenuity, and dedication that have defined his teaching career.
As he prepares to close his 35-year chapter at Melbourne Grammar School at the end of 2025, Rob leaves behind a legacy of impressive contributions to music education, including a well-defined woodwind portfolio, an established contemporary music program, and the beloved Jazz Nights.
An instrumental role
Not long after commencing his role at Melbourne Grammar in 1990, Rob recalls walking into the Coleman Room and immediately envisioning it as the ideal space for the School’s inaugural celebration of jazz.
This insight led to the birth of the Melbourne Grammar Jazz Nights. Initially, student performances were short and simple. However, after he began offering lunchtime and after-school drop-in workshops, students became more engaged, filling the schedule and seeing the event outgrow its original space.
Since 2005, the Jazz Nights have been held over two evenings in The Old Melburnians War Memorial Hall, a move that has doubled the audience and provided students with a large stage, professional lighting, and amazing sound.
“Once that circle between the audience and the musician has been established – that we’re here to play – and they’re here to listen – it all kind of coalesces,” Rob says.
In conversation with jazz
In his role as Head of Woodwind, Rob has taught across all three Melbourne Grammar School campuses, coaching ensembles, tutoring students in clarinet, saxophone, flute, and bass, and running workshops in jazz improvisation.
Over the years, countless students have given up their lunchtimes and after-school plans to learn the tenets of contemporary music with Rob.
“Music is a language – and you can teach it like it’s a language,” he says.
Music beyond the classroom
Rob has witnessed many changes over his nearly four decades at the School, including the redevelopment of the Myer Music School, which now features a state-of-the-art recording studio where he has spent much of his teaching time. He also served as the head basketball coach for several years.
His hope for his students is that they will continue to appreciate and enjoy music throughout their lives, becoming valuable contributors to Melbourne’s rich music culture.
When asked what’s next for him, Rob says; “I hope to continue teaching, giving workshops, and playing gigs around town.”
