Bio

Robert Lassila is a composer, acoustic and electric bassist, and educator. Raised in Bend, Oregon, Robert found a love for music at a very young age starting with the guitar. Experimenting with many instruments in the early years of his life, a real passion was found when he started playing electric bass in high school. Through high school, he tenaciously studied both electric bass and bass clarinet, taking every opportunity he could to play with school and community bands. 

Upon arriving at the University of Oregon, Robert began studying acoustic bass in both classical and jazz settings. Developing ability on the instrument very quickly, he soon became an in demand bassist in the Eugene area. It was also during this time that he started to develop strong composition practices, writing pieces for both small and large ensembles. Before finishing his undergraduate degree, Robert had arrangements and compositions performed by the Oregon Jazz Ensemble and JazzArts Oregon, as well as performing a recital of all original compositions and arrangements.

Recently, Robert has had experience performing in a diverse array of ensembles. As an electric bassist, he has performed with finalist from The Voice, Thunderstorm Artis, and Grammy nominated artist from the Freestyle Fellowship, Myka9. As a classical bassist, he has performed with the Eugene Ballet, and is a substitute player for the Eugene Symphony. Additionally, he maintains a full schedule playing jazz as a sideman for many different groups in the area, and has performed with guest artists at the University such as Adam Larson, Roxy Coss, and Ulysses Owens Jr. As a recording artist, he recently played on multiple albums, including The Nutcracker with OrchestraNEXT, and We Three Kings with the Willamette Valley Jazz Trio, which also featured his own arrangements.