Robert Vernon (born May 5, 1949 in Toronto, Canada) is a classical violist and teacher. 　　Robert Vernon has served as the Principal Violist of the Cleveland Orchestra since 1976. Vernon occupies the endowed Chaillé H. and Richard B. Tullis Chair, and along with Franklin Cohen has served longer in a Principal position than any other current member of the Orchestra. Vernon also heads the Viola Department at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and is a faculty member at the renowned Juilliard School of Music. Vernon also serves on the Faculty at Kent/Blossom, the National Orchestral Institute in Maryland, the New World Symphony Orchestra, and the Encore School for Strings. He also frequents several chamber music festivals including the Sarasota Music Festival (Sarasota, Florida), and the Nevada Chamber Music Festival (Reno, Nevada).