Bob Thornton joined the music faculty in the spring of 2003 after moving to the Orlando area from Philadelphia. His responsibilities in the department include teaching music theory, music fundamentals, ear training, and sight singing. Thornton received degrees from the University of North Florida and Indiana University, graduating with honors from both. He was presented the Outstanding Scholar Award upon graduating from UNF.

Thornton performs regularly as a freelance jazz pianist in both solo and group formats. In 2002, he released a self-produced recording, Looking Back, Looking Forward, consisting entirely of original compositions and arrangements with his working trio from Philadelphia. In addition to performing, Thornton is a prolific composer and arranger of small group and large ensemble jazz.

Thornton studied with Dr. David Baker, Dr. Luke Gillespie, Kevin Bales, Dr. Bill Prince, and Don Zentz. Additionally, he has performed in master classes for Joe Lovano, Ellis Marsalis, John Scofield, and Ramsey Lewis, among many others. In 2000, he was invited to participate in the Steans Institute for Young Jazz Artists at Ravinia, where he studied with Rufus Reid and James Moody. In 2001, Thornton was selected as one of six national semifinalists in the American Jazz Piano Competition sponsored by the American Pianists Association.

Although Thornton's main interest is jazz and improvised music, he has a strong background in classical piano and pipe organ as well. He served as a church organist since the age of 13 and has won numerous awards and scholarships performing on both piano and organ.

Prior to joining UCF, Thornton held faculty positions at Lafayette College in Easton, PA and Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA.