Robert was introduced to brass when he started playing the cornet with the Gwaun-cae-gurwen brass band, aged eight. He quickly progressed to the national youth brass band of wales, being awarded the John Childs memorial scroll in 1990 and 1991 as the most promising player. Robert also spent many years playing with the world renowned Cory band and Desford colliery band, and was guest principal cornet of the Black Dyke Mills band under his professor, the late James Watson.
Robert then turned his attention to the trumpet, and studied at the Royal Academy of Music between 1994-1998 under James Watson, who was a great friend and mentor. Whilst at the Academy he was a member of the European union youth orchestra. Robert was appointed sub principal trumpet with the BBC national orchestra of wales in 2002, and continues a very busy concert and recording schedule with them.
Professionally Robert has worked with many orchestras, including the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Halle Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, London Mozart Players, and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2017 he started teaching trumpet at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, where he continues to enjoy teaching. Alongside teaching, Robert has enjoyed tutoring for many years on various National Youth ensembles within Wales.