Robert Rosen was a teacher in the Carey Junior School for nineteen years, from 1967 to 1985. At Carey he taught music, some language studies, and also had his own grade. His work was based in the (Old) Junior School at Kew.

He later retired as a lecturer in orchestral conducting at the Victoria College of the Arts. He studied conducting in his home country in Europe and conducted professionally throughout Australia with the ABC Symphony Orchestras, as well as opera productions with companies including the Australian Opera.

He also taught many young conductors at the Victorian College of the Arts, University of Melbourne, and the Defence Force School of Music (Australia). Among his students was Carey’s former Director of Music, Roland Yeung. He trained many of Australia’s current conductors and had a special gift for unlocking the secrets of conducting Classical music.

Robert was a skilled pianist, able to read full conductor’s scores at the piano and perform the standard repertoire with ease. He was a superb coach and teacher.

The Carey Junior School Choir was his pride. Performances were exciting, yet any student who wished to join was welcome — unusual at a time when most choirs were by audition only. Several current and former staff members were part of this choir and remember his energy, humour and theatrical flair with great affection.

The Carey Music Association established a Music Scholarship in his name, recognising his significant contribution to music in Australia and his dedication to sharing his love of music with Carey students.

He passed away on Monday 26 June 2000.

Source: Roland Yeung, 27 June 2000