Robert has an extensive background in composing and arranging jazz, stage, classical and contemporary concert music. He has already had his work performed by orchestras, theatre companies, chamber ensembles, jazz musicians and big bands.

 

His recent concert music compositions explore aspects such as guided improvisation. His works often display the influence of playing improvised jazz, and inspiration by his upbringing in coastal North Wales. Current influences include elements of early-20th-Century impressionism and pastoral themes (found in British / French works by Vaughan Williams, Ravel, Debussy and Walton), and mid-20th-Century British and US film scores for studios such as MGM, 20th Century Fox, and Paramount. Past works include pieces for Plus-Minus ensemble, Trio Atem, and universities’ ensembles and theatre companies. 

 

His scores for the stage have been realised in a variety of performances, and he has arranged / orchestrated other composers’ theatrical music. Theatre production scores include ‘The Glass Menagerie’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ (with Thrust Stage), ‘The Trial’ and ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’ (with Hild Bede Theatre), and an original promenade musical theatre adaptation of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ in Durham Cathedral (with Ethrael Theatre).

 

Robert has a particular specialisation in composing / arranging for jazz ensembles and big bands, and has had scores performed over the last fifteen years. He is a versatile writer, comfortable in most big band styles covering the last hundred years. He is especially capable at writing in mid-20th-Century styles, and has been commissioned to compose and arrange for large jazz orchestras, such as big band with strings section and vocalists.

 

Robert is proficient in typesetting and editing sheet music, and offers both a copyist service and a transcription service, for musicians needing sheet music created from their studio recordings.

 

For further sample videos and scores, and to discuss a project in more detail, please get in touch using the contact form.