Hi, I'm Rob,

I spend my time teaching music in Manchester and playing gigs, mostly at weddings and awkward corporate do's. However, my band Polar Institute plays classical and post-rock stuff (think Philip Glass meets Sigur Ros), and we play the odd show when someone will let us!

I've been working on cruiseships which has let me see quite a few places around the world, and meet wonderful interesting people from lots of backgrounds.

Written two books on music education, and looking to start post graduate study somewhere in Europe.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Having stopped travelling with ships, I'd like to get out there and visit more places again. Thanks to my work I've made friends in many places, but would love to meet many more through couch surfers.

I'm currently sharing a house with other people in south Manchester, so am happy to hosting but need to ok well in advance. Also, I'm out on gigs quite regularly which limits hosting.

Interests

Music, and the outdoors. I originally trained for outdoor work, and love getting into the hills or countryside whenever possible for hiking or climbing. If you need a guide to the Lake District, Peak District or Snowdonia, send me a message - I'd love to help you explore the beautiful North West of England and Wales!

I go to a lot of gigs in Manchester, mainly small jazz, modern classical and art installations so if that's your thing, let me recommend something.

• arts
• books
• concerts
• education
• cooking
• traveling
• eating out
• music
• jazz
• guitar
• piano
• outdoor activities
• hiking
• rock climbing
• teaching
• tourism
• mountains

Music, Movies, and Books

Music:
Mahler, Reich, Stravinsky, Yes, Gentle Giant, The Ocean, Sigur Ros, God Speed You Black Emperor, Olafur Arnolds, Nils Frahm...

Books:
Sucker for the classics: Hardy's Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Sense & Sensibility plus modern novels We Need to Talk About Kevin, Water Music. Non-fiction religion and anthropology things like The God Delusion, Guns, Germs and Steel.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Played a concert while floating around Antarctica?

What I Can Share with Hosts

Music and conversation!

I can teach you how to play a song on guitar, piano or ukulele in an evening.

Although I'm happy to cook, but if I'm visiting your country/city I'd far rather pay for us to eat out somewhere that you recommend to get a taste of the city.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Bahamas, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), France, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, United States, United States Minor Outlying Islands, Uruguay, Virgin Islands, U.S., Wales