Robert Samuel

Robert Samuel was originally 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, and spent many years playing with the Cory Band and Desford Colliery band. A huge early highlight for Robert was playing guest principal of the Black Dyke Mills Band under his professor, the late James Watson.

Robert studied the trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music between 1994 and 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, with whom he travelled extensively throughout the world. He was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2010.

Robert was appointed second trumpet with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales in 2002 and continues a very busy playing schedule internationally with them. Professionally Robert has worked with many orchestras, including the Philharmonia Orchestra, Halle Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, London Mozart Players, and the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Robert started teaching trumpet at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in 2017, and it remains a passion of his to encourage the players of the future.