Rob McDowall

Rob is a highly experienced keyboardist, musical director, and educator with a BA (Hons) in Keyboard Performance from the Academy of Contemporary Music and an MA in Music Industry Innovation & Enterprise from Waterbear. His training includes mentorship from acclaimed musicians Brian Henry (Soul II Soul, Gabrielle), Tobi Drummond (Cliff Richard, West End), and Sandi Beale (One Direction), among others.

Driven by a passion for developing his craft and versatility, Rob has built a career spanning theatre, cabaret, live performance, and studio work. His most recent engagement was as Musical Director for Oh Romeo at the Electric Theatre, Guildford, where he created backing tracks, arranged songs, coached vocalists, and scored the production. He has also collaborated with former IQ singer Paul Menel.

Rob began performing live in 1997 with Kitty Hudson, recording two albums and touring internationally with the band until 2003. He later collaborated with artist Dirty Harry and continues to work on new music, currently preparing to release an instrumental album.

His theatre credits include regular appearances at the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival, performing in musicals such as Little Shop of Horrors, The Addams Family, and Avenue Q. He has worked across cabaret and comedy, performing alongside Vikki Stone, Sara Pascoe, and Phil Jupitus, with over 200 shows at the Gilded Balloon. Many of these productions later transferred to London and toured nationally.

Rob’s career highlights also include sharing the stage with iconic artists such as Slash (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver), Joe Bonamassa, Bad Company, Big Country, The Darkness, and Sheryl Crow. His performances have taken him to legendary venues including Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Brixton Academy, The Bataclan, Paradiso, and CBGB’s.