“Choosing to engage in music is a testament to our human experience: it allows us to gaze deeply into the limitless potential of our minds.”

Dr Robert Bekkers earned his Doctorate in Musical Arts (DMA) in classical guitar at the New England Conservatory under Eliot Fisk in May 2018. He is active in the community as conductor of the New England Guitar Orchestra and guitar instructor at Gordon College, South Shore Conservatory, and at Milton Academy. Dr Bekkers is a resident artist at the Walter Baker Artist Lofts in Historic Lower Mills in Dorchester, Massachusetts. Here he also teaches individual and group lessons in a variety of styles for both Ukulele and guitar.

Born near Eindhoven, Netherlands, Robert earned his performing and teaching degrees (Bachelor and Master of Music) at the Conservatory of Maastricht. During the seven years there, he won a scholarship to study contemporary music with Angelo Gilardino in Italy. He has performed in master classes for internationally-known guitarists such as David Russell and Pepe Romero. After his education Robert developed his career as a soloist and chamber musician, playing with orchestras, choirs, giving solo recitals, and his new passion: musical theatre! So far Robert has performed in about 30 different musicals.

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What people say about Robert:

“Mr. Bekkers has a deep understanding of the breadth and sweep of the classical guitar and its five centuries of repertoire. While earning a DMA with me at the New England Conservatory he was involved in a great number of artistic projects across the entire continuum of the guitar’s possibilities from baroque era masterpieces to the intricate music of today.”

Eliot Fisk, Boston

“Fantastic teacher, great guy, and a killer guitarist to boot. My time in his studio was seriously formative.”

Michael Webb,  Wenham

“…one of life’s great pleasure: getting up close and personal with great music, “Concierto de Aranjuez.” Bekkers gave a strong, lyrical and passionate performance. The orchestra matched it. We were moved and inspired; I think everybody was…”

Bob Knox, Boston

“Audley Society sponsored Robert Bekkers in Houston and it was so beautiful to hear his sounds reverberate throughout the building. Our guests were so delighted, Robert sold out his CDs!”

Linda Marroquin, Houston

“I have been putting on house concerts for over 15 years. Robert was the first classical guitarist I had hosted. He put on an excellent show. My crowd was
delighted.”

Jeff Abrams, Houston

“During his performance I found myself wondering if Robert had an extra set of hands since it was not clear to me how so many notes could be strummed at the same time. This music is a pure joy to listen to and immediately sets you in a romantic frame of mind.”

Susan Raddatz, Utrecht