Robert Mitchell Steadman jr. began guitar studies with his father at the age of 14. Robert was accepted to Brevard College for study as a Music Major in Guitar Performance under Roger A. Cope. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts Robert continued Graduate studies at Appalachian State University(ASU) with Dr. Douglas James. He has also been a performance student in master classes conducted by distinguished contemporary guitarists such as the Grammy winning LAGQ, Andrew York, Scott Tennant, Steven Walter, Benjamin Verdery, Stephen Robinson, Brad Richter, and Martha Masters.