Album Notes

Robert began playing classical guitar at age 10 and owes much to his early studies with Barry Lusted and later with Glenn Caluda, Joseph Breznikar (of Southern Illinois University) and John Sutherland (of University of Georgia). These studies culminated with being one of three performers selected to play in a special master class for Christopher Parkening. In 1998, Robert went on to study with Parkening at a weeklong master class at the University of Montana, Bozeman. Robert was also very fortunate to have a mentor in the late Charlie Byrd.

Some of Robert's earliest performances were given in his early teens at his home church, 1st Presbyterian Church of Baton Rouge, LA. Robert continued performing both solo and with various bands through high school. Robert later attended Berklee College of Music where he studied jazz and composing, but left before graduating to pursue a career in construction management. Robert did complete his college studies with a Bachelors of Science in Business with a minor in Music from University of Wisconsin-River Falls and later a Masters of Science in Construction Management from University of Wisconsin-Stout. During his career in construction management, Robert found time to play regularly at church and also for weddings and other engagements. Robert eventually released a CD entitled "Paths of the Heart," a collaborative project with Rock Island based pianist Coleman Harris.

It was after the release of this first self produced CD that Robert began to seriously consider a calling to devote more of his life to music and music ministry and he has been playing professionally since 1998. In the summer of 2000 Robert was part of a Group Study Exchange Team that was sent to Israel by Rotary International. This life changing experience in the Holy Land brought the Bible to Life and helped solidify the direction that Robert was to take as a composer. Robert also gave several performances while in Israel including a performance to members of the Israeli military organized by head of the USO in Israel. Robert was also recognized in Israel as an "Ambassador of Good Will." In November of 2000, Robert released his second CD of solo guitar works entitled "Behold, This Dreamer Cometh," which features 13 original compositions inspired by the poetry and imagery of the Holy Bible. Many of the pieces were inspired during the trip to Israel. Robert was a winner at the 2001 Gospel Music Associations Instrumental Solo Completion

Today, Robert maintains a busy schedule of performances at church events, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools and libraries. His most recent concerts include performances at the 2001 Hinsdale Baptist Church Concert Series, the Fox Valley Folk Festival and the Downers Grove Heritage Festival.

Robert and his wife Mary are active members of First Congregational Church of Downers Grove. Robert is active in music ministries, is on the adult education committee and is a commissioned Stephen Minister.