Many people choose music, but for others music chooses them. Rob began playing the electric guitar at age 11, learning note-for-note solos of every Metallica and Guns N Roses tune he could find. His metal edge began to fade after enrolling in his schools jazz ensemble, where he was exposed to an array of new artists, rhythms, chords, and more importantly, the beauty of improvisation. Noticing his natural talent for the instrument, guitar virtuoso Ted Reece took Rob as a private student. Reece introduced him to the acoustic guitar while helping him develop his ear and strengthen his playing. Rob was annually awarded excellence for his performance in the high school band, and was offered a scholarship offer to join the jazz ensemble at Trinity University (TX).
Throughout college, Rob maintained music only as a hobby and graduated Phi Beta Kappa in biochemistry/molecular biology and Spanish. His academic aspirations suddenly halted one evening in New York City when it dawned on him he wanted to become a singer. Having never sung a note in his life, Rob began spending six to eight hours a day, developing his voice and songwriting skills. With a voice reminiscent of Dave Matthews and Damien Rice, his unique guitar stylings, and a handful of original tunes, Rob stormed onto Denvers local music scene leaving audiences impressed. Within a mere week of open stages, he was offered his first gig at Arvadas D-NOTE. Shortly thereafter, he played during the Cherry Creek Arts Festival and in six months he was sharing the stage with local celebrities, Wendy Woo and Nina Storey. He soon began playing to full crowds at Boulder's legendary Fox Theatre and opening for national acts such as The Wood Brothers, Raul Midon, Lucy Kaplansky and Tim Reynolds. Recently, he performed for former president Bill Clinton, senators Ken Salazar and Bob Hernandez and congressman John Salazar. Rob has been featured on KBCO's Studio C, 99.5 The Mountain, and 93.3 KTCL. His song "Sweet Things" is currently in rotation on Sirius Satellite Radio's Coffee House, Channel 30. Rob Drabkin's career seems to escalate daily as he gains fans and recognition wherever he plays.
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