My name is Rob Spelberg, I am a composer, arranger, conductor and trombone player from Groningen, the Netherlands. I studied jazz-trombone at the Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen where I graduated in 2007. During my studies in Groningen I started conducting various amateur big bands. In 2009 I moved to Graz, Austria, to do a master in composition and arranging with Ed Partyka. There I also took conducting lessons with Ed Partyka and Sigi Feigl.
I am the leader, conductor, composer and arranger of the Rob Spelberg Jazz Orchestra, an all-round big band exploring the exciting area between pop music and jazz harmonies. In 2010 I founded Rob Spelberg’s Great Groove, a funk and soul band, which I lead and for which I write the music. Next to that I am developing my career as a professional arranger and conductor.
From 2009 to 2011 I was musical director of the Kunstbunker Music and Arts Festival in Duga Resa, Croatia.
During my studies I attended master classes with: Bob Brookmeyer (three weeks), Jim McNeely (three weeks), John Hollenbeck, Jörg Achim Keller, Phillip Michael Mossman, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Rainer Tempel, Ed Neumeister, Bart van Lier, Conrad Herwig, Ilja Rijngoud, Derrick Gardner, David Taylor (three weeks), Steve Davis, Dena DeRose, Ralph Peterson, Don Braden.