For 27 years in Saline, MI, Bob built a string program with over 700 students that was a national model of excellence in both classical and eclectic styes music. He founded the folk-fiddling ensemble, Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic, which under his direction, gained an international reputation annually performing more than 80 shows a year as well as playing at the White House multiple times. Bob has conducted for a variety of youth symphonies. He served as resident conductor and arranger for the Wintergrass Festival in Seattle for 12 years. He currently serves as the educational advisor for the Great Lakes Music Camp.

Bob has been elected "Teacher of the Year" nine times by national, state, and regional associations and has been invited to present clinics in more than 47 states and eight foreign countries, including 9 tours throughout Australia. He has served as president of the American String Teachers Association and Director of String Publications for Alfred Music Publishing. Bob and his wife, Pam, were recognized as Citizens of the Year by the City of Saline for their work in arts education. In 2013 Bob was inducted into The University of Michigan School of Music Hall of Fame. In 2022 Bob and Pam received the Distinguished Service Award for their contributions to string education from The American String Teachers Association and The Medal of Honor from the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.