Robert began his piano studies at age five and was drawn to the pipe organ at an early age.  By 18 he had mastered considerable piano and organ repertoire and after being drafted in 1945, served as post organist at Fort Lewis, WA. He earned both his B.A. and M.A. from USC and became an accomplished and honored musician. He studied under Alice Ehlers, Clarence Mader, and John Crown. He served as church organist at Vermont Avenue Presbyterian Church and First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.

In 1956, he became organist, and several years later organist/choir director, for Pasadena Presbyterian Church. During his 26 years at PPC, he played over 1,000 recitals broadcast over the church’s radio station and directed the Kirk Choir in many major productions including Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms and Bach’s Magnificat. He also prepared the choir for the west coast premiere of Howard Hanson’s bicentennial oratorio New Land, New Covenant. Shortly after leaving PPC, he became organist and choir director for St. Therese Catholic Church in Alhambra. He only retired from this post in September of 2011. Robert toured Europe twice performing organ concerts throughout the region that concluded with concerts at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

Robert taught at Occidental College, Whittier College and Long Beach City College, having students from Biola and the Los Angeles Music Conservatory as well as maintaining a substantial commitment to private students throughout his career.  Together with a faculty colleague at LBCC, he wrote 45 half-hour programs for a television course in music history and appreciation entitled From Chant to Chance: Music in Western Culture. He appeared in most of the programs as a lecturer or performer.

As the area representative of the Schlicker Organ Company he was responsible for the design and installation of several instruments throughout the Southern California area including the Schlicker organ at Whittier College. His expertise in organ design and registration was highly respected.

 He has been a member of The American Guild of Organists, Los Angeles Chapter for more than 50 years and was made an Honorary Life Member in 2011. 

Bonnie Joy Berryman and Robert Prichard wed in 1951 and enjoyed 53 years of joy and mutual service.  Bonnie, who passed away in 2001, was his best friend and devoted love. Their contagious love of music, fine cooking, education, entertaining and service to Christ have influenced many over the years.