Dr. Robert Bekkers
Artistic Director
Robert Bekkers earned his teacher’s performer’s degrees at the “Conservatorium van Maastricht” (Netherlands) before he came to Boston where he received his Doctoral Degree from the New England Conservatory. Here he had the unique opportunity to work under the inspiring guidance of visionary artist Eliot Fisk. His thesis explored the connection of “music of Memory,” a work by the late English composer Nicolas Maw, and the therein quoted string quartet of Felix Mendelssohn. Robert’s classical guitar programs try to weave together music of different era’s and influences through common elements, such as his program “Perceptions of Counterpoint,” on music of Bach and Steve Reich, or his program “Giuliani’s Friends” on the music of Mauro Giuliani and his Viennese contemporaries, from the perspective of collaborative engagements.” Besides his many activities as a classical guitarist, Robert also performs in musical theatre shows throughout the country.
Throughout his education, Robert visited guitar festivals and participated in masterclasses given by many internationally renowned artists including Pepe Romero, Hubert Käppel, David Russell, Abel Carlevaro and Alexander Frauchi.
He studied conducting and ensemble directing with Dr. Erica Washburn at the New England Conservatory. His focus is clarity and clear musical direction.
“I have a life-long fascination with my instrument, I love everything about it. When I started to play the guitar, I could not be stopped. In fact, the urge to start playing was so great that I built my very first guitar from scratch at age 12. Ever since that first guitar, I have continued to learn new and exciting possibilities about the guitar. Besides that, I am excited to see so many amazing new guitarists with fresh ideas enter the field all the time, which is a further testimony to the diverse and endless possibilities of our amazing instrument.”
Robert performs regularly as a soloist or in collaboration with a variety of other instruments, such as: piano, violin, flute or voice. He has made his appearance at festivals worldwide and even performs regularly in theatre productions. He also is the artistic leader for the New England Guitar Orchestra, a new initiative that continues to grow and reach new audiences.
Along with a steady flow of concerts and collaborations, Robert teaches at the South Shore Conservatory in Hingham MA, Middlesex Community College, the Milton Academy in Milton, and at Gordon College in Wenham, MA.
Grounded in the traditions of existing pedagogy, Robert has dedicated himself to thoroughly understand the workings of the guitar and how to then best convey its principles to his students. At the core of Robert’s approach are a profound understanding of music as a tool for expression, woven into a carefully chosen repertoire.
“Nothing compares to playing in a larger ensemble when it comes to shaping your musicianship. The intricate demands placed on each individual player concerning tone, dynamics, timing, articulation, and accuracy, are unparalleled. Active participation in the orchestra yields unique musician skills that should be part of every guitarist’s curriculum along with their private instruction.”