Robert T. Anderson was an internationally renowned organist who taught at Southern Methodist University from 1960-1996. He was also the organist for Perkins Chapel during his distinguished career at SMU. Robert Theodore Anderson was born 90 years ago on October 5 in Chicago, Illinois, and began studying piano at age 5 and organ at the age of 14. He earned a music degree at Illinois Wesleyan University and graduate degrees at Union Theological Seminary while serving as organist at various churches. In 1957 a Fulbright scholarship to Germany provided an opportunity to study with Helmut Walcha before he completed his graduate studies in 1961.
Dorothy Faller, Anderson’s sister, memorializes her brother perfectly:
“It was through Anderson’s insistence on high quality and perfectionism that the Fisk organs came to be built for Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas and the Caruth Auditorium at Southern Methodist University. He served as organ consultant for both instruments.
Widely known as “RTA,” Anderson’s reputation as a pedagogue was legendary and he was known as a fantastic and inspiring teacher. He was extremely demanding and knew how to get the very best out of each student. He leaves behind a legacy of brilliant students, the concert artists of today, including Dr. George Baker, Mary Preston, Wolfgang Rubsam, Carole Terry, Bruce Bengtson, Ross Wood, John Chapell Stowe, Stefan Engels, and scores of others.”
SMU University Archives received Anderson’s papers following his passing in 2009. Researchers can find decades of his annual Christmas letters, publicity materials, music programs, photographs, correspondence with musicians, and Anderson’s original compositions.
The G. William Jones Film and Video Collection recently digitized the KERA program “Swank in the Arts, episode 172” featuring Robert T. Anderson. Highlights of this local 1979 television program include:
Robert T. Anderson teaching Durufle
Robert T. Anderson talking about Caruth Auditorium acoustics
Robert T. Anderson playing Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by J.S. Bach
Researchers can access a finding aid for Robert T. Anderson’s papers. Please contact degolyer@smu.edu for questions about Robert T. Anderson’s papers in the SMU University Archives.