Robert Szymanek
London
Summary
Performance Coach with expertise in guiding individuals to achieve personal and professional goals through strategic planning and effective communication. Proven track record in enhancing motivation and understanding human psychology to drive success for individuals and organizations.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4020
4020
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Performance Coach
Freelance
01.2021 - 09.2025
- Enhancing student enjoyment and confidence in music learning and performance.
- Developing strategies to manage and reduce music-related anxiety and self-doubt.
- Applying Schema Therapy techniques to address emotional challenges in music education.
Course Leader: Ensemble Performance in Indonesian Gamelan
The University of Manchester
Manchester
01.2016 - 09.2025
- Provided creative direction alongside academic teaching and practical tuition for undergraduate modules.
- Instructed rehearsals and performances, focusing on composition and arrangement techniques.
- Conducted assessments while fostering cross-cultural collaboration among students.
- Managed departmental administration to ensure smooth operational processes.
- Communicated weekly with staff and parents to provide updates on student progress.
- Compiled termly reports for each student, outlining achievements and areas for improvement.
- Fulfilled safeguarding responsibilities to maintain a secure learning environment.
Piano Teacher
Freelance
01.2009 - 09.2025
- One-to-one lessons for university students, adults, and professionals.
- Instruction in classical, contemporary, jazz, blues, pop, rock, film, and theatre styles.
- Developing customised lesson plans that catered to individual student needs and learning styles.
- Fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment to enhance student engagement and motivation.
- Coordinating recitals and performances to showcase student achievements and build confidence.
- Integrating various teaching methods and materials to enrich the learning experience for students.
- Personalised lesson plans to engage each student's interest.
Professional Development Tutor
The Royal Academy of Music
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Conducted seminars and practical workshops for BMus students on studio performance techniques.
- Delivered sessions on recording technology tailored for performers.
- Facilitated discussions on marketing and self-promotion strategies for musicians.
- Advised students on career opportunities within the music industry to foster their aspirations.
Education
PhD - Composition
The Royal Academy of Music
MMus - Composition
The Royal Academy of Music
MMus - Advanced Musical Studies
Royal Holloway, Uni. Of London
BMus (Hons) - Music
Royal Holloway, Uni. Of London
Skills
Composition: Wide-ranging output including solo, chamber, and orchestral works; specialist experience in arrangement, electronic composition, album production, and intercultural/world music composition
Performance: Classical and contemporary piano (solo and ensemble); specialist expertise in Sundanese gamelan
Selected Performances & Projects
2019 – Present | Kyai Fatahillah Gamelan Ensemble
- WOMAD Charlton Park: Performance Producer, Workshop Lead, MC, and player
- Performances at Cadogan Hall, Southbank Centre, and the Indonesian Embassy, London
- International collaboration in Bandung, Indonesia: Gamelan & piano performance
2014 – 2015 | London Symphony Orchestra Discovery Projects, LSO St Luke’s
- Performances of new compositions with LSO players
- Arrangements and performance of student works
- Multimedia concert collaborations with film, lighting, and set designers
- Collaboration with Resonance FM: Hosting and interviewing guest musicians
2007 – 2015 | Ok Bertie (solo project)
- Recording and production of two albums of original songs and compositions
- Live performances across the UK
2007 – 2012 | Piano-based Composition Performances (RAM collaborations)
Highlights include:
- Kyoto Concert Hall, Kyoto Student Music Festival, Japan
- Collaboration and performance with Youth Orchestra of the Middle East, UAE
- Collaborative performance in Nashville, Tennessee with Vanderbilt University students
- Collaboration and performance with BBC Singers at Maida Vale Studios
- Performances at Sounds New Festival, Canterbury, and Shoreditch
Awards & Scholarships
- 2014 – LSO Soundhub Scholarship
- 2011 – Manson Fellowship, Royal Academy of Music
- 2010 – Deutsche Bank Award for Creative Enterprise (Performance & Composition)
- 2009 – Shortlisted, British Composer Award
- 2007 – Arts and Humanities Research Council: Fully funded PhD Scholarship
- 2007 – Charles Lucas Prize for Composition, Royal Academy of Music
Timeline
Performance Coach
Freelance
01.2021 - 09.2025
Course Leader: Ensemble Performance in Indonesian Gamelan
The University of Manchester
01.2016 - 09.2025
Professional Development Tutor
The Royal Academy of Music
01.2013 - 01.2017
Piano Teacher
Freelance
01.2009 - 09.2025
MMus - Advanced Musical Studies
Royal Holloway, Uni. Of London
BMus (Hons) - Music
Royal Holloway, Uni. Of London
PhD - Composition
The Royal Academy of Music
MMus - Composition
The Royal Academy of Music