Starting in 2013, Robert began regular trips to Kenya where he worked with musicians of all ages. Based at Mt. Kenya Academy in Nyeri and the Mpesa Foundation Academy in Thika, he helped Form 1-4 students prepare for ABRSM exams, conducted ensembles, and performed on piano and cello. These photos from the June 2019 trip show students from Ghetto Classics, Nairobi School, and Kenya Conservatoire. He continues periodic lessons during the year via Skype and plans to return in early summer of 2020.
In San Francisco, he is music director of SF Civic Strings, a group of amatuer adults from all walks of life who convene weekly for string orchestra. A youth orchestra for adults, Civic Strings reflects Robert’s conivctions that quality and accessibility are not mutually exclusive and that old dogs can always learn new tricks.