Available to hire
Robert Debbaut has led orchestras and opera companies throughout the United States and across Central and North America, Asia, and Europe. Critics have praised his performances as emotionally powerful, incisive, and memorable.
He is also an accomplished educator, having served as Director of Orchestras at the University of Utah and taught at multiple universities, while maintaining active international guest conducting—most notably with the National Symphony of Guatemala and major guest engagements worldwide.
Experience Level
Language
English
Advanced
Work Experience
Lecturer in Music at University of Minnesota School of Music
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2006Provided instruction in music as a non-renewable contract teaching role.
Visiting Director of Orchestras and Instructor of Conducting at University of Minnesota
January 1, 2005 - January 1, 2006Directed orchestral programming and taught graduate-level conducting during a one-year visiting appointment, including conducting multiple concerts with the University Symphony Orchestra, and involvement in festival-related performances (Elliott Carter Festival noted).
Assistant Professor of Music at Lawrence Conservatory of Music
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2005Served as an assistant professor (one-year, non-renewable contract) teaching advanced undergraduate conducting and conducting ensembles for multiple concerts.
Visiting Director of Orchestras and Instructor of Conducting at Lawrence University
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2005Taught advanced orchestral and conducting instruction and conducted university ensembles as part of a visiting directorship role.
Permanent Guest Conductor; Guest Master Teacher of Conducting at National Symphony of Guatemala / Guatemalan National Conservatory of Music
August 1, 2000 - July 1, 2019Led recurring guest and long-term programming and performance work with the Orquesta Sinfonica Nacional de Guatemala across multiple years, while also teaching conducting. Returned for major international engagements including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony performances in the 2026 season (gala context noted in resume). Also coached and supported the next generation of conductors through master teaching at the national conservatory during foreign guest artist restrictions and subsequent return.
Contract Professional; Adjunct Professor of Music at DePaul University (School of Music)
January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2004Led full and sectional rehearsals with the University Symphony; served as Music Director and conductor for Bernstein’s Candide; taught as adjunct professor within the DePaul School of Music.
Assistant Professor, School of Music at University of Akron
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1999Non-renewable one-year assistant professor appointment teaching music history and graduate conducting-related courses; conducted concerts and performances for university productions.
Visiting Director of Orchestras at University of Akron
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1999Directed orchestras while serving as assistant professor and conducted multiple concerts, including performances of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro.
Artist-in-Residence; Guest teacher and Guest conductor at Shanghai Conservatory of Music
March 1, 1997 - March 1, 1997Conducted and taught conducting seminars; coached wind/string chamber music and supported singers with German diction.
Host; Support Faculty (Conductors' Workshop) at American Symphony Orchestra League Conductors' Workshop
March 1, 1994 - March 1, 1994Provided local logistical organization and served on faculty with noted master teachers; helped coordinate two University of Utah orchestras in residence.
Interim Music Director at Salt Lake Symphony
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1996Interim leadership of the orchestra/music direction role for a two-year period.
Director of Orchestras; Assistant Professor (tenure track) at University of Utah
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1998Founded and led multiple orchestral programs, served as Chair of the String and Chamber Music Division, recruited string majors, and conducted orchestral performances. Oversaw curriculum and jury guideline revisions; received student and programming awards for new American music and orchestral performance excellence.
Helen Wu Fellow in Conducting at University of Michigan
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1990Served as principal conductor for University of Michigan Campus Orchestra and held assistant/conducting responsibilities within orchestras and opera programs; assisted graduate staff and conducted opera matinees.
Fellow in Conducting at University of Missouri at Kansas City (Kansas City Conservatory of Music)
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 1986Assisted the music director with conservatory orchestras; conducted matinee performances including opera and theater productions; supported community/publicity efforts and led educational programming seasons.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts (Conducting) at University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance
January 1, 1998 - January 1, 1998Master of Music (Orchestral Conducting) at University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music
January 1, 1982 - January 1, 1986Bachelor of Science (Music Education) at Missouri State University
January 1, 1974 - January 1, 1979Fellow (Chorus America Workshop for Conductors) at Chorus America Workshop for Conductors (Chicago Symphony Chorus & Civic Orchestra)
October 1, 2002 - October 1, 2002Diploma, Gustav Meier Master Course for Conductors at International Conductors Workshop, Prague
May 1, 2002 - June 1, 2002Diploma and Prize, Neeme Järvi Master Course/Competition for Conductors at David Oistrakh Festival
July 1, 2000 - July 1, 2000Diploma, Oregon Bach Festival/Helmuth Rilling Seminar for Conductors at Oregon Bach Festival / Helmuth Rilling Seminar for Conductors
June 1, 1994 - July 1, 1994Tanglewood Music Center Seminar for Conductors (Maurice Abravanel Award recipient) at Tanglewood Music Center
June 1, 1990 - August 1, 1990Qualifications
Maurice Abravanel Scholarship Award
June 1, 1990 - July 8, 2026Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services
Experience Level
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