Robert Hamilton was born on May 22, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a jazz pianist and his mother a classical pianist. Hamilton began playing the piano at the age of four and showed a natural talent for the instrument. Hamilton's parents recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue a career in music. He began taking piano lessons with renowned pianist and teacher, Rosina Lhevinne, at the age of seven. Lhevinne was impressed with Hamilton's talent and took him on as a student. Hamilton continued his studies with Lhevinne until her death in 1976. During this time, he also studied with other notable pianists, including John Perry and Leon Fleisher. Hamilton's dedication to his craft paid off, and he won numerous awards and competitions throughout his career. In 1971, Hamilton won the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions, which launched his career as a concert pianist. He made his debut at Carnegie Hall in 1972 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented pianists of his generation. Hamilton's performances were known for their technical brilliance and emotional depth. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Beethoven, Chopin, and Schumann. Hamilton's recordings of these composers' works received critical acclaim and helped to cement his reputation as a leading classical pianist. Throughout his career, Hamilton performed with some of the world's most renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. He also collaborated with many of the world's leading conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, and Seiji Ozawa. In addition to his performances, Hamilton was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the University of Arizona from 1984 to 1997 and at the University of Southern California from 1997 until his retirement in 2015. Many of his students went on to have successful careers as pianists and music educators. Hamilton's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1985, he was awarded the Avery Fisher Prize, which is considered one of the most prestigious awards in classical music. He was also inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in 2003. Despite his success, Hamilton remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He once said, "I'm just a pianist. I play the piano. That's all I do." However, his talent and dedication to his craft made him much more than just a pianist. He was a true artist who inspired countless musicians and music lovers around the world.

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