Robert L. Jefferson began playing the piano at age seven and began playing for his church shortly thereafter. At age 14, his piano teacher, Mary O. Lewis, took him on as a teacher in her studio. He developed his piano skills by serving as pianist for the Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Phoenix, Arizona, where he was also pianist for the Salt River Valley District Association and Arizona National Baptist Convention under the mentorship of Alma Androzzo.Jefferson has taught students from the elementary through college levels and has performed with organizations such as the Pacific Air Force Command, the Houston Grand Opera, Director of the Yokota Inspirational Gospel Choir, Japan as well as the Soldiers' Chorus of the United States Army Field Band, Washington, DC; performing with major symphonic orchestras and in concert halls including Strathmore, Meyerhoff, Boston Symphony and Carnegie Hall. Dr. Jefferson holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Grand Canyon University, a Master of Music degree from the University of Houston and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland. Jefferson is also published by Theodore Presser, Oxford University Press and Carl Fischer. Jefferson is the author of four best-selling books on the study of Gospel Music: Gospel Music Performance Practice and Technique, Volume 1&2 and How to Play Gospel Music for Beginners, Book 1&2. It is Dr. Jefferson's desire that his books will aid in elevating the spread of Gospel Music education throughout the world. Go to www.learnhowtoplaygospelmusic.com for more information regarding Robert L. Jefferson's products and services.