Rob is a Canadian guitarist, sound engineer, gear hacker, and teacher with decades of experience performing funk, rock, pop, blues, and jazz. A dedicated mentor and community supporter who believes in lifting up his fellow artists, he’s built a reputation as a go-to professional, creating authentic connections through music.

Rob grew up in Montreal's underground music scene before moving on to live and play in Vancouver and Toronto, and house gigs across the Middle East and Asia. He studied music and computer applications programming at university. Before settling in Dubai, he worked as a band leader, musical director and instrumentalist, and performed solo, duo, and in ensembles.

Rob’s studio, DXSOUNDLAB, is where he explores the boundaries of music performance and technology, supports Dubai’s creative industries, and gives back to UAE’s thriving music community. Services cover performance support, gear customization and innovation, sound engineering and production, and teaching and mentoring.

CAREER HISTORY

  • 2021-Present - Band leader, musical director, guitarist, private tutor
  • 2010-17 - Band leader, guitarist (residencies - UAE, Oman, China, Asia Pacific)
  • 2001-06 - Band leader, musical director, guitarist (The Mo’Phonq Organization)
  • 1997-98 - Lead guitarist, sideman (Spackle)
  • 1995-2008 - Sound production consultant (multiple credits)
  • 1991-2005 - guitar instructor, private music schools, Montreal, Canada

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 2025 - Jack Daniels Battle of The Bands (The DadBods - Runner-up)
  • 2023 - Pogues Christmas Tribute - guitarist, ensemble
  • 2017 - Dubai, City Maxx - Maxx Bar
  • 2016 - Dubai - Ramee Rock Bottom Burjuman
  • 2016 - Dubai - Rodeo Drive / Stables
  • 2015 - Dubai - Ramee Time Cafe
  • 2014 - Toronto Jazz Festival
  • 2012 - Oman - Ramee Hotels - Rock Bottom
  • 2012 - China (Guangzhou) - Kama Club
  • 2010 - Asia Pacific - P&O Cruise 2010 - Pacific Jewel - Top 40 band and Jazz Band
  • 2003 - Montreal Fringe Festival
  • 2002 - Montreal International Jazz Festival
  • 1997-98 - US tour (Philadelphia / New York - lead guitarist, sideman (Spackle)

GEAR MODS AND DESIGN

  • 2025 - DXSOUNDLAB - gear - portable performance rig
  • 2025 - DXSOUNDLAB - gear - custom pedalboard rig
  • 2025 - DXSOUNDLAB - software - midi clock synchronization
  • 2025 - DXSOUNDLAB - software - Loopy (looping program)
  • 2025 - DXSOUNDLAB - gear - performance rig
  • 2025 - DXSOUNDLAB - software - point correction / alteration / offsetting
  • 2025 - DXSOUNDLAB - gear - system exclusive codes
  • 2025 - DXSOUNDLAB - gear - experimental stack design

EDUCATION

  • Computer Applications Programming (Concordia University)
  • Private music tuition (McGill University)
  • Music Studies programme (Marionopolis College)

CORE SKILLS

  • guitar (electric and acoustic), musical performance (funk, pop, rock, jazz, blues), musical direction and composition, sound engineering and production, product design and innovation, software coding and applications, teaching and mentoring.

TECH SKILLS
  • Logic Pro, Final Cut Pro, Compressor, Mixing Station, Loopy Pro HD, drum apps (Lumbeat), Bome midi translator, Midi Fire (IOS), Mainstage, Gig Performer, Amplitube DMX (limited experience)