Robert Mack Statham

Robert “Robbie” Mack Statham, son of Loretta Statham and the late Mack C. Statham, was born on August 6, 1966 in Baltimore, Maryland. On Saturday March 7, 2020 Robert “Robbie” Mack Statham (53) passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, after dedicating his life to spreading God’s word through music and mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Robert attended Friendly Senior High School in Fort Washington, Maryland, graduating in 1984. He studied at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore with internationally recognized pianists, Enrique Graf and Beatrice Long. After graduating high school he continued to pursue his passion for music at Hampton University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance in 1989. During his time at Hampton University, he studied with Dr. Roland Carter and Dr. Willia Daughtry. He decided to pursue graduate studies at Catholic University to further develop his craft under the tutelage of Dr. Thomas Mastroianni.

Upon graduation, Robert began a career in music education as a private instructor at the School for the Performing Arts in Suitland, Maryland.  He began his career as a director of music and organist at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Purcellville, Virginia and continued this pursuit at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Centerville, Virginia.  He later continued as a private instructor at Music and Arts in Hanover, Maryland and Oxon Hill, Maryland as well as at Jordan Kitts in Beltsville, Maryland.  He also greatly enjoyed providing private instruction for various talented students throughout his career.

In addition to his teaching pursuits, Robert was an accomplished classical musician, who was recognized for his talents with numerous awards.  His performances included: Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30 at the Alden Theater with the McLean Symphony; Bach Concerto No. 1 in D Minor at the Reston Community Center with the Reston Chamber Orchestra; Gottschalk L’union at the Reston Community Center with the Reston Chamber Orchestra; Beethoven Concerto No. 5 Op. 73 at the Reston Community Center with the Reston Chamber Orchestra;  Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor Op. 18 at the First United Methodist’s Annual Performance of Two Piano Classical Repertoire.

In addition to a passion for classical composition and performance, Robert had many other interests. While music was his greatest passion, he did not only play piano and organ, he was also a skilled saxophone player and he didn’t just love classical music! Robert also enjoyed listening to popular music like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Bootsy Collins. So much so, that he had convinced his sister to let him borrow one of her R&B 45s to take to show and tell in kindergarten.

He was a lover of animals and was fortunate to have many pets during his lifetime.  He had two Borzois, one Silken Windhound, one Whippet, one Saint Bernard, and one Shetland Sheepdog. Emma and Dalton, his most recent companions, will miss him dearly. He also enjoyed science fiction including the books and movies of Star Wars, Star Trek, Dune and many more. He was passionate about cars and owned many of them - Infiniti Qx-30, Infiniti Qx-60, Oldsmobile Aurora, Honda CRX and an Isuzu Rodeo.

He is survived by his mother, Loretta; his daughter, Lauren; one sister, Sharon; one brother-in-law, Flemming, one nephew, Robert; one niece, Ashley; two uncles (James and Calvin); two aunts (Margy and Malvilyn); a host of cousins and friends, and his two loyal companions Emma and Dalton. His father, Mack, awaits his arrival in God’s Kingdom.

Robert was a man of many passions including classical music performance, piano instruction, Christian music direction and most importantly his family. May his dedication to his passions continue to inspire us all.