Music Department

Rob Fishel

instructor photo

Accordion

Rob Fishel arrived in Portland from Baltimore in 1999. He holds music degrees from Reed College and Portland State University, and has been a freelance musician in the Portland area since 2005. He serves as rehearsal pianist for various vocal ensembles, accompanies for several private studios, and often works as music director or accompanist in Portland’s musical theater scene.

Rob was initially drawn to the accordion in high school. With some surprise, he saw his casual interest grow into a serious pursuit alongside the study of piano and organ, and he has since used the instrument in many professional contexts. Beyond traditional applications in folk music, Rob also advocates for the use of accordion in classical music, and enjoys presenting arrangements and transcriptions of piano and organ repertoire in concert.

Rob has taught accordion at Reed since 2011.