Robert Sinclair

Biography

Robert Sinclair is the Music Theory Coordinator and Director of Creating Music for Film, TV and Gaming at West Valley College. His credentials include a Bachelor of Music Degree in Composition at the University of British Columbia, a Professional Development Teaching Certificate at Simon Fraser University, Graduate Studies at McGill University, a Masters of Music Degree in Conducting at Central Washington University, and a Certificate in Film Scoring at the University of California, Los Angeles.

In composition, Robert Sinclair was awarded the Pierre Mercure Award (small ensemble) - 1st Prize in the inaugural SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publisher of Canada) competition for young Canadian composers, 1991. In 1993, Robert Sinclair was awarded the Godfrey Ridout Award (choral) - 2nd Prize in the SOCAN competition for young Canadian composers. Robert Sinclair was invited as a Composer-in-Residence to the 8th Biennial National Conference of Piano Pedagogy in Chicago, 1992, where his works were premiered and published. His piano pieces were also required performance selections at the Junior Gina Bachauer Piano Competition, 1993. Robert Sinclair’s choral piece Grand Chorus received first prize at the Kathaumixw International Choir Competition in the Contemporary Music category, 1994.

Robert Sinclair received two Canada Council Grants in music composition. One grant supported writing a choral work for the Vancouver choir, Laudate The other grant was to pursue individual studies in music composition with the renowned composer, Brian Ferneyhough.

Locally, Robert Sinclair has given presentations at the California Music Educator Association Conference and Music Association of California Community College Conference. As well, his music has been performed by the San Jose Chamber Orchestra and the San Jose Youth Chamber Orchestra. And two local high schools, Lincoln and Saratoga, have performed his choral and string music.

Robert Sinclair has written music for short film, documentary and feature film. The film, Contest, was premiered on Cartoon Network as a feature presentation during the Speak Up-Stop Bullying campaign, 2013. The short film, Strings, won numerous awards at multiple film festivals, notably winning Best Original Score at the San Diego Kid’s Film Festival and the Silver Medal for Original Music Score at the IndieFilm Festival.

Education