Ampleforth OAs

Since leaving SHAC in 2007, Robert Dufton has had his thumb in all manner of pies. His gap year saw him installed at Truro cathedral as a choral scholar under Robert Sharpe (now at York minster) and he has since graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in medical physics.

During his time in Sheffield Robert has been appointed as a lay clerk of Sheffield Cathedral and assistant musical director of The Sheffield Chorale. He is also a published author of books on professional Anglican church musicianship and choral technique. His first book, The Lay Clerk's Handbook, was inspired by his journey from singing in Catholic services to singing in Anglican evensong and is available from amazon and (soon) the Ampleforth Bookshop. He continues to dedicate time to being a composer, arranger, music producer and vocal coach.

Robert now primarily works as an academic tutor and entrepreneur. He has used his musical background to expand into more commercial disciplines. His web business, composerwave.co.uk, is a resource for musical directors and unsigned composers to manage permissions for public performance. He is in charge of Classical Music Nights in Sheffield which have been acting as precursor to his new enterprise which is set on bringing innovative live classical music to an informal bar context. Beginning in Yorkshire, this project is now at a fund seeking stage.

Robert is now living in Sheffield but occasionally lends his voice at concerts at Ampleforth.

You can view Classical Music Nights on facebook to see what he gets up to.

To view Robert's 'classical music bar' business proposal and contact details, register at crowdcube.com and search for his company, Bass Clef Ltd.