Dr. Robert Knop is currently a third year assistant professor of music at Cal State. His responsibilities include applied saxophone, music education, jazz studies, and music appreciation. A background of teaching instrumental music and general music in the Chicago Public School system has given him unique skills to share with students.

After earning a Bachelor of Music at Roosevelt University in Chicago, Dr. Knop went on to a Master of Music at Northern Illinois University and was awarded a Doctor of Arts from The University of Northern Colorado.

A professional musician for over twenty years, he was active in the jazz, blues, and commercial music scene in Chicago and recalls sharing the stage with Clark Terry, Tito Puente, Louie Bellson, Karrin Allyson, and others. As a classical and jazz saxophonist, Dr. Knop has studied with Steven Duke and Bunky Green, and with every student he has ever been privileged to teach.

His first love is teaching and his passion for inspiring future musicians to reach their potential is what brought him to Cal State. He currently resides in Redlands with his wife Dr. Nancy Glen (also a member of the CSUSB music faculty) and their two Labrador retrievers Maddie and Meg.