Robert Cogan *56

Robert died Aug. 19, 2021, in Cambridge, Mass., at age 91, with Schubert playing in the background. 

Born in Detroit, Robert was introduced to jazz as a young boy at the famed Paradise Theater. This led to his lifelong passion for music exploration, writing, and scholarship. Robert earned a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in music from the University of Michigan, and an MFA in music from Princeton in 1956.

Robert had a long career at the New England Conservatory of Music. He taught composition and music theory as a faculty member and served as chair of the Graduate Theory Department for many years. The New England Conservatory awarded him an honorary doctor of music degree in 2003. After retiring, Robert continued teaching as an emeritus faculty member, and taught his final students in 2020. 

He traveled widely as a sought-after lecturer and wrote six books on music theory. Robert’s compositions are performed by musicians worldwide. In his last days, his passion for astrophysics continued as he sought to understand “what comes next.” 

Robert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Pozzi Escot; daughter Kali; granddaughter Annaka; and brother Richard.

Graduate alumni memorials are prepared by the APGA.