Playing a new tune: Meet new music professor Robbie Collins
Photo by Carolyn Christopher
Carolyn Christopher, Staff Writer
This semester, North Greenville University welcomed Robbie Collins, who is taking on the role of instructor of music theory and director of brass. Collins is a music professional, passionate instructor and trumpet enthusiast.
He felt led to NGU because of the university’s vision, goals and values which aligned with his own.
“The way everything has perfectly timed itself up, I feel like I am on a mission that I have not set for myself,” Collins said.
Collins completed his undergraduate degree, majoring in music, at Gardner Webb University. He completed his master’s degree at East Carolina University and is finishing his doctorate schooling in the next month at University of Kentucky.
Collins started his music journey in grade school due to his best friends being involved in it. Music eventually grew into a passion and became a way for him to make others happy. Growing up, Collins’ mother battled cancer. When Collins began playing, he saw the joy that it brought her despite the difficulties she was facing.
“Even though it was horrible, and I wasn’t very good, I started to have that association that this brings happiness to people so it sparked more want to practice,” he said.
He had no intention of playing the trumpet after high school, so he began pursuing other interests. Collins planned to go to school for radiology and received a scholarship to play tennis. However, after suffering an injury, he fell back to playing the trumpet.
“The reason I decided to go on the education track is because of how strong the impact my teachers had on me. My real goal is to have [my students] be productive people in society,” Collins said.
Collins has a passion for historic music and different types of trumpets. In his office, he houses his collection, his favorite of which being the piccolo trumpet. While vastly different, Collins enjoys both historic and contemporary music. This gives him a unique approach to teaching.
“Where I really shine is my persistence in excellence and fundamentals. I know how to teach the basics and, in my opinion, every kind of extreme is built off of proficiency and fundamentals,” Collins said.
It is clear Collins cares for the well-being and education of his students. He is eager to take on the challenge of teaching music theory, as he realizes it is a new journey for both him and his students. He is eager to expand on the minds and talents of his students.
“It’s [about] making sure I do my best so everyone else can do their best,” Collins said.
Joy Till, a digital media major, has been taking private trumpet lessons with Collins since the start of the semester. Till has noticed a positive difference in Collins’ teaching style in comparison to her previous mentors.
Till said, “With Dr. Collins it’s such a big difference, and I’m really happy. I’m already learning some things I didn’t get the first time around.”
Till is involved in the Trumpet Ensemble under Collins’ direction. She will also play in the concert band performance, featuring Collins as a soloist.
Collins is eager to spread his knowledge and experiences to the students at North Greenville University.
“The biggest thing I would like for [my students] to know is that I am always here,” Collins said. “If they need something, I’m here and happy to work with anybody.”
