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Origin to the Mission of the Maestro |
“Anointed!”
“Masterful!”
“Effortless!”
“Talented!”
“Gifted!”
These are but a few of the descriptions used to describe the piano
playing of Canadian born, Robert Chambers. Recognized as one
of the best gospel piano players in North America; Robert
attributes his musical success and gifts to the Almighty
God. In spite of his exceptional talent he is very humble and focused.
Origins
Robert came from a moderate upbringing.
He appeared as an average competitive child, who loved to
play. However, at the age of 3, his parents came to a quick realization of
his acute gift, when at their former church he would
sit in front of the old piano and begin playing. The peculiar thing
about his playing was that it ‘made sense', and ‘was not
annoying to the ear'. Around that same time, his two older
sisters caught the piano-bug and decided that they wanted to learn to play the piano.
You see, being able to play an instrument in church almost
seemed like a status thing. So while their interest
was high, a piano teacher was hired for his sisters to take lessons.
Yet, understanding the potential of their son, Robert's parents attempted to convince the piano
instructor to teach him as well, but it was to no avail. She
felt it was necessary for him to learn how to read first, in
order to understand the notes for he was only 3.
Basically, she felt he was too young, he couldn't possibly
be as good as they claimed, and her years and years of
traditional experience convince her that to be true.
Yet, all she had to do was just listen to what he was able
to play and watch how focused he was when his hands touched
the keys.
If she could
only see him now.
As their lessons continued, Robert in quiet observation, watched as his
sisters struggled in their practicing to play a tune.
Then
one afternoon, during their practicing, Robert could no
longer contain himself. He was too perplexed in what
was taking them so long in getting this tune right, so, without missing a beat,
he took over and played it effortlessly
before them. As expected with siblings, they were not
amused. However, their parents were. Robert really never got the
opportunity to take those lessons though. Yet, despite his age,
something in his head was being birthed and it was simple to
him.
He had an ear for music that was beyond the usual comprehension or
explanation.
When he eventually attended kindergarten his gift blossomed because now
he was introduced to a greater array of songs. Everything he
heard, ranging from ‘Oh Canada ' to ‘Oh McDonald', would be
something new for him to play at home.
Robert recalls, “I remember my first time playing at my home
church. I was 4 and it was the second Sunday of the month,
which was always a special program night. Sort of like a
talent show. I'll never forget it! I was actually sleeping
in the front bench awaiting my turn. Finally, when it was my
time someone woke me up. I played Silent Night with two
hands, my left hand playing the chords, and my right hand
playing the melody. When I finished I received a standing
ovation and the moderator lifted me up in the air and
collected an offering for me. I was given a whopping
$15!
As
a 4 year old kid, all I thought about was, I'm buying some
candy tomorrow!”
From that moment things changed. By the age of 7 Robert
played regularly for the church services. Hoping for the same
results, many of the church's parents began sending their
own children to learn the piano, hoping that their own would
play like Robert. The Pastor of the Church thought that
maybe Robert too would benefit from some teaching, and
offered his help. However, Robert only attended a couple
hours of group lessons, and then stopped because he was
seeing music differently... Until this day he has never had
any formal training, which many still find it hard to
believe. When they hear how masterfully he uses all 88 keys
of the piano, they conclude that he must be classically
trained, at least up to the grade 12 level. His response is
a simple reply, “No training, but it is a gift.”
Principle
Proverbs 4:7 declares,
“
Wisdom is the principal thing;
therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get
understanding.” In agreement with that verse, Robert abides
by that exact principle. “I understand music; the true
understanding of it, and with that understanding I am able to
play anything I hear, and anything I choose, regardless of
style; and I play it in any key. God has also revealed it to
me in such a way that I am now able to perfectly explain and
teach anyone how to do the same thing.”
That revelation has given Robert undeniable confidence in
his insight of music. And in the process, has led him to
develop a Revolutionary music program titled, “The Any Key
Music System™” -
http://www.anykeymusic.com. Its focus is to equip
anyone, who follows this system, to be able to Master the
Art of Playing the Piano by Ear. When asked, how does this
program differ from traditional lessons, or any other
‘play by ear' program? His reply is based on an old quote,
“If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day, if you
teach him how to fish you feed him for life. My methods are
focused on teaching someone how to understand, find the
answers, and play; rather than just showing him the answers
for him to copy. I'm about developing independent musicians
that understand music with their mind and ears. Once that
skill is developed, one will experience that feeling of
musical independence and the fulfillment of what playing by
ear can truly give.”
My Strength Lies In...
Robert lives and breathes to worship God and play music. For example, his
passion for playing is so great, that when others fall
asleep in front of the television, Robert falls asleep
playing his keyboard. When he is not teaching, speaking,
traveling, recording or performing, you can find Robert
serving as the Orchestral Band Leader to one of the most
dynamic Praise and Worship teams this country has ever
produced. The ministry is
Rhema Christian Ministries located
in Toronto, Ontario Canada led by Pastor Orim Meikle
–
http://www.rhemaonline.ca. It's only fitting that this ministry,
where he serves, is recognized as one of Canada 's fastest
growing, and influential ministries. Rhema Today broadcasts
regularly on Saturday's, Sunday's and Tuesday's on
CTS.
Even though Robert was raised in a Christian home by both
parents from whom he learned a lot, he gives more of the
credit to his mom. In his words, “she has always been there
for me with help, encouragement, and a source of inspiration.”
He also has a grateful heart for all his family
members/in-laws. He humbly acknowledges their help in many,
many ways, and the fact that they remain some of his
greatest fans. To all his other fans and supporters he says,
‘thanks and God bless.' He has a strong appreciation of
family and loves children. This appreciation is probably due
to his closeness with his 6 brothers and sisters: He has two
older brothers and one younger; two older sisters and one
younger. They all share a very loving and close bond.
Robert attended a number of High Schools, before graduating
from Milliken Mills Secondary School in Markham, Ontario. Afterwards he enrolled in a ‘Jazz Program' at Humber College
where he learned the names of chords and concepts that he
already played, but did not know what they were called.
Mission
Robert believes in continually giving God all the praise,
honour, and glory, because he realizes that not only has God
blessed him with a wonderful talent, but He has miraculously
protected him from danger, after a few
near fatal car
accidents. For these and other reasons, he believes God has
a special mission for his life, and he is determined to
fulfill it, by His help.
He wants to reach as many people as possible throughout the
world for the Lord, through his music. He also has a goal to
teach millions of people young/old, his creative and simple
way to understand and play by ear.
It does not matter who hears his playing. From global
religious leaders to a two-year-old child, the end result is
the same. They become mesmerized with what he does on that
keyboard. I would suggest anyone who loves music to get his
debut album -
Interpretations, and see him in concert because this is only the
beginning of what this musical sensation will do.
Click here - If you wish to
hear my Award Winning instrumental CD & more
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