About Rob
Dr. Robert Szymanek, PhD MISM
Performance Coach & Music Educator
Royal Academy of Music, London
Professional Development Tutor 2013-2017
The University of Manchester
​Course Leader: Ensemble Performance,
2016-Present.
Workshop Leader
LSO Discovery
Music in Offices
WOMAD Festival
Teaching and coaching are where I feel most at home.
I really enjoy this work: helping people develop musical skills, grow in confidence, overcome obstacles, fulfil their ambitions, and create remarkable, moving music.
What has being a coach shown me?
That playing at our best happens when we access our intuition, connect with the music, and allow the joy for playing to come through in the moment.
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'Good musical technique' is about setting a calm internal landscape so we can tap into that joy as best we can, and allow it to work its magic.
You can see the change in people, often in the middle of a session.
It's really fascinating, and very rewarding.
I am not a therapist. I did, however, complete training in Schema Therapy through Schema Therapy Associates. I also regularly consult with Schema Therapy supervisors as part of my work, as well as the research, development and ethics of my Coaching practice.
My Schema Coaching for Musicians is an adaptation of the Schema Therapy approach. It is not therapy, but rather focuses on strengthening healthy approaches to learning and performing music, and cultivating positive feelings, associations and memories at the instrument that lay the foundation for brilliant musical performances.
It's an approach I use myself every time I practise, perform and even teach music. It has had a transformational effect on my practice enjoyment, music learning, and performance ability. I am keen to pass on the techniques that have helped me so much.​
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I am a founder of the official Schema Coaching Special Interest Group within the International Society of Schema Therapists (ISST). I am also an Associate Member of the ISST and abide by their Code of Conduct.​​​​
Phd, Royal Academy of Music
MMus, Advanced Musical Studies, Royal Holloway, University of London
Member of the Independent Society of Musicians (Professional Body)
Manson Fellow, Royal Academy of Music​
LSO Soundhub Composer
Deutsch Bank Award for Creative Enterprise