Rob was born in Perth and began learning violin and euphonium at age seven, before settling on the horn at 13. He studied horn at the Canberra School of Music with Hector MacDonald, graduating in 1985.
During his student years he was a member of the West Australian Youth Orchestra, the Canberra Youth Orchestra and the Australian Youth Orchestra.
Rob took up the position of 2nd Horn in the Sydney Elizabethan Orchestra (now the Opera Australia Orchestra) in 1986 and was appointed Associate Principal in 1988. During his time in Sydney, Rob played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra, as well as performing chamber music, musicals, and many soundtrack and jingle recordings.
Rob moved back to Perth in 1989 to take up the position of Associate Principal Horn with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra, moving to his current position of Principal 3rd Horn in 1995.
He is a regular performer and soloist with many local ensembles, including the Fremantle Chamber Orchestra, UWA Choral Society, South Side Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra, and the W.A. Mozarteum. Rob is active as a teacher and has taught at The University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA).
Rob also enjoys conducting. He is the Musical Director for the Combined Districts Concert Band and a past Musical Director for the South Side Symphony Orchestra.
When he is not playing, conducting or teaching horn, he is busy repairing and servicing brass instruments.
The Horn section is supported by Rod and Margaret Marston through the Duet program.