String Project Instructor, Viola
Preston (Dean) Roberts is entering his first year pursuing a Masters of Music in Viola Performance at the University of Texas-Butler School of Music. He recently graduated from the University of Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance, and has represented the University Philharmonic as the principal violist for three years. With UPO, he has performed the World Premier of Mass: A Celebration of Love and Joy composed by André Thomas at the Kauffman Center in Kansas City, and has also performed theater works ranging from musicals such as Terrance McNally’s Ragtime, to operas including Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. During his time at Mizzou, he achieved First Place in the Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA) Upper Class Strings Competition in 2021 and 2022, was a finalist in both the 2022 MU Emerging Artist Competition and the 2022 MU Concerto Competition, and became principal violist in the 2022 Missouri All State Collegiate Orchestra, under the direction of Christopher Lees. He recently was awarded the Kimmel Friends of Music Distinguished String Player of 2023. He has contributed his expertise to groups such as 7th Column, University of Missouri Chamber Soloists, and MU Camerata.
Roberts currently teaches with the University of Texas String Project, and has taught with the Missouri String Project, the Missouri Academy of Music, and the Missouri Symphony Conservatory, where he aims to inspire the next generation of musicians. Roberts has traveled to perform across the midwest with groups such as the Southside Philharmonic, the Quincy Symphony, and the award winning Leme Ensemble. He also has contributed to groups close to home, as he has performed with the Odyssey Chamber Series, and served as principal violist for the Missouri Symphony, along with the Columbia Civic Orchestra. Roberts has also been distinguished as a violinist, as he was awarded Concertmaster of the 2022 Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity National Convention Orchestra: Sinfonia Strings, under the direction of Dr. Peter Wilson. Roberts has received instruction from Morgan Owen and Leslie Perna, and Roger Myers.