Rate My Professor Rob Frear

Rob Frear is a Professor of Music and Director of Brass Studies at California State University, Long Beach, where he oversees the brass studies program in the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in French from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Music degree in trumpet performance from the University of Southern California. A graduate of Los Altos High School in Hacienda Heights, California, Frear has built a distinguished career as a trumpet performer and educator. As a founding member of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, he has performed extensively as a freelance Principal Trumpet with major ensembles across Southern California, including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, Pacific Symphony, and San Diego Symphony. Previously, he served as Solo Trumpet with the Israel Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta. Frear is recognized as a Yamaha Performing Artist and maintains an office in UMC-A513 on campus.

Frear's performance resume includes contributions to the soundtracks of over 100 motion pictures and television shows since 1991, working with Oscar-winning composers such as John Williams, Elmer Bernstein, James Horner, Jerry Goldsmith, Elliott Goldenthal, and Thomas Newman. He has garnered critical acclaim internationally, with The Glasgow Herald describing him as 'a trumpeter of unparalleled stamina' and The Saskatoon StarPhoenix noting his 'Jedi-like laser focus.' Frear is a sought-after interpreter of J.S. Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 2, praised by the Ventura County Star for floating 'effortlessly over the concertante.' His collaborations extend to performances with global artists including Peter Gabriel, Garth Brooks, Earth, Wind & Fire, Journey, Chicago, Carrie Underwood, and Blue Man Group. Additionally, Frear serves on the Board of Directors for the CSULB Research Foundation as an Academic Senate Member and Director, appointed by the President with a term expiring June 30, 2026. He directs ensembles such as the University Brass Ensemble, Conservatory Brass Quintet, and BCCM Women's Trumpet Ensemble at CSULB.