People have often asked me, "What is R.T. Legacy?" When I explain that it is the name of my publishing company for the performing rights organization I belong to (ASCAP), that usually leads to the following question: "Why did you choose that name?"
My legal name is Robert Christopher Teichler. I have always gone by my middle name. My parents chose to do this because my father, also Robert Teichler, goes by his middle name. My grandfather was also Robert Teichler, and he went by....Bob. So, I am technically the third generation Robert Teichler. When my oldest son was born, my wife and I decided to continue that tradition, so my son Robert Teichler also goes by his middle name.
Four generations of the name Robert Teichler. It's a unique family tradition, and helps keep me connected to my heritage, while reminding me that my name reflects not just on myself, but on my lineage. I want to honor that, it helps me stay grounded and mindful that I am a piece of a larger whole.
So, R.T. Legacy simply refers to the "Robert Teichler" legacy of which I am a part. Tradition, heritage and loyalty are very important to me, and I even see this reflected in my compositions: my music is not groundbreaking or revolutionary, but clearly rooted in what has been said before me, with me adding my voice to the mix. I see (or more appropriately, hear!) my music as a part of a larger stream that started before me, and will continue long after I am gone. Like the family name.