Don Robertson was born in Denver, Colorado in 1942. His love of music permeated his childhood. Being allowed to use the family 78rpm record player, the young boy was able to listen to classical music that he loved beyond anything else. His favorite records were those in the Beethoven 5th Symphony record album, however. Because of his interest in classical music, he became a piano student of Antonia Brico at the age of three and he studied with her for several years. Dr. Brico, who was also Judy Collin's teacher, handed a photo of the young student to composer Jan Sibelius when he invited her to Finland to conduct the Helsinki Symphony Orchestra. "I told him that you would one day be a great composer," she said upon her return.

Don was fortunately able to attend the young-people's concerts of the Denver Symphony Orchestra, and also go with his parents and grandparents to the supper clubs where he watched the local dance bands play. Young Don lived and breathed music. In addition to classical music, he loved t