Studying music later in life has also benefitted other areas of Rob’s life. “I have a special needs student who absolutely loves classical music. He is a self-taught aficionado of 18th and 19th Century Russian composers, just a real random thing. He doesn’t like a lot of noise and sound but when I’m playing the music, he tunes in and he listens really closely.”
“As well, there have been students of mine who require extra support with their own music classes. I’ve actually been able to help tutor them with their music theory and sometimes I’m learning exactly what it is they’re learning, and so we work through it together.”
Rob says that working in person with a teacher is key to his musical success. “Having the accountability and feedback from a living, breathing person right in front of you is an unmeasurable value.”
Ultimately, the music is its own reward. “There’s the aspect of communication and human connection,” says Rob, “and how much fun it is to play music and how much fun I’m having doing it!”