Robert was born and educated in Doncaster. At I8 he went on to study Oboe at the Royal College of Music with Sidney Sutcliffe. During his student days he was Principal Oboe with the British Youth Symphony Orchestra. On completion of his 4 years at The Royal College he, initially, went on to pursue a freelance career. This involved work with the Royal Ballet Touring Company, the International Chamber Orchestra of the Cyprus Music Workshop, one year as Sub-Principal Oboe with the National Symphony Orchestra of Iceland and Oboist with the Arradon Ensemble, a group directed by Brian Ferneyhough, specialising in 2Oth Century repertoire.
He then decided to diversify turning his attention more towards composition as well as taking a one-year course in instrumental teaching at Bretton Hall College. This led to a post in the Instrumental Teaching Service in Berkshire. Since that time he has continued to be active in all aspects of music, notably as oboist with Collage Chamber Ensemble (Flute, Oboe, 'Cello & Harpsichord) with whom he performed and broadcast regularly throughout the UK and Europe. It was with Collage that his composition was given a platform as he wrote many pieces for the group. Collage had a wide and varied repertoire ranging from Baroque Trio Sonatas to the Avant-Garde. In addition to Robert's work Collage commissioned pieces from composers such as Robert Saxton, Anthony Powers, Jonathan Lloyd and Jonty Harrison.
As a composer Robert has received many commissions for a whole range of pieces, from children's musicals to full symphonic works. His works have been performed in such venues as the Royal Albert Hall, the Purcell Room, St John's Smith Square, the Festival Hall and the Fairfield Halls as well as having been broadcast both in this country and abroad. As a teacher he has held senior positions in Berkshire, East Sussex and West Sussex. As a player he has continued to perform in orchestras, chamber music and, increasingly, as a soloist.
