Rob Aldridge

‍What did you do before joining dBs?

"I have spent the last eight years working in the education sector by teaching, developing and modernising music departments across the country in a wide variety of establishments. Prior to joining dBs, I was working at BIMM as their Head of Further Education and improving the faculty’s provision in anticipation of an Ofsted inspection.

"Prior to working in schools and colleges, I started my own music tuition company which became one of the main providers for instrumental lessons in Leicestershire.

"Since fifteen I’ve been performing in various bands with a variety of styles and shared the stage with acts such as Kate Nash, Jack Penate, Ocean Colour Scene and Hadouken!"

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Why did you first get into music?

"Although no one in my family home could play an instrument, I was surrounded by music lovers and from a very early age I’d been mesmerised by the building blocks of music.

"I got my first guitar at seven and was desperate to play it. I started lessons at ten (and was failing miserably) until my tutor swapped my guitar out for a right handed one and everything clicked. My left handed aspiration of being the next Hendrix was crushed but at least I could now play chords."  

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Any special areas of interest?  

"I absolutely love the artform and process of songwriting and composition. There’s something magical about turning raw emotion and abstract ideas into a tangible piece of art."

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What do you love most about what you do?

"Meeting new people. The music industry provides a community for artists to express their unique identities and cultural backgrounds through their music. I love that the diversity in music celebrates individuality but also creates opportunities for others to learn about and appreciate different cultures. My role at dBs compliments that and I’m always connecting with a wide variety of people and organisations."

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Tell us about your proudest career moment?

"The pride in watching my previous students’ musical journeys unfold. I’ve had alumni go on to sign with labels, find roles as ghostwriters, create bands, and embark on their first UK tours."

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What do you get up to outside of your role at dBs?

"I am a lover of all things creative, so if I’m not writing music or watching live music, I’ll be in an art gallery or on a scenic walk to gather inspiration. I love travelling and exploring new places around the world. All activities will be accompanied with coffee." ‍

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Tell us something our students may not know about you?‍

"I’ve always had a passion for architecture and would love to eventually build my own home along the South Devon coastline. I’d also love to appear on Grand Designs and tell Kevin McCloud how far over budget I went because I just had to have that Scandinavian glass."