Robert Crutchfield is a native of North Carolina , where his interest in music began by playing drums with his uncle. At age six, he began piano lessons and, at eleven, started percussion in the school band program. Robert attended the North Carolina School of the Arts where he received his Bachelor of Music, studying with Massie Johnson in percussion and focusing on jazz vibes with Jon Metzger. While there, he was awarded the Nancy B. Reynolds scholarship in music. In 2004, Robert graduated with a Master of Music degree at the North Carolina School of the Arts where he studied with John R. Beck. There, he was awarded an assistantship in percussion, assisting Mr. Beck with the percussion ensemble and other percussion duties. Robert served as the principal timpanist with the Salisbury Symphony and principal percussionist for the Piedmont Wind Symphony, performing with guest artists such as Ronnie Milsap, Arturo Sandoval, Diane Schuur, Frederick Fennell and several others. Robert also performed regularly with the Winston-Salem Symphony, Greensboro Symphony, and the Charlotte Symphony.  Robert taught percussion as an adjunct faculty member at Winston-Salem State University , Catawba College and Lenoir Rhyne College .