Robert John Shafer, Jr. (born January 1, 1946) is a Grammy Award-winning American conductor, classical composer, educator and church musician (pianist, organist). He has served as artistic director of the City Choir of Washington since its launch in September 2007. 　　Shafer was born on January 1, 1946 in Mooresville, N.C., the son of Col. Robert J. Shafer, USAF (Ret). He started studying piano at age 5. Shafer moved with his parents to Germany in 1951, where they were stationed as part of the United States Air Force. His family settled in Vienna, VA in 1954.