Rob Higginbotham has been teaching guitar, ukulele, and beginning bass full time in Knoxville since 2005. He has taught at Rik’s Music, Open Chord Music, Lane Music, and LeGrand Music along with an online presence (www.robhigg.net) since March of 2020. Rob’s musical foundation goes way back to the Grace Church Choir in Brooklyn under the tutelage of renowned organist Ann V. McKittrick. He sang in the choir for 8 years. With three rehearsals a week and a service on Sundays, he learned to sight read musical notation and harmonize with others. He performed with the choir twice at Carnegie Hall. He started playing drums in bands at the age of 14, playing guitar in bands at the age of 17.
Before becoming a full time guitar instructor in 2005, he owned and ran small businesses in Brooklyn, and then worked at Y-12 and K-25 for 12 years before ‘retiring’ in 2004. He began teaching the next year. He is the proud father of three children, all of whom make their homes in East Tennessee. He is also a proud grandfather of two. Rob has been a feature in many Knoxville area bands over the past two decades+ including Bootleg Blues, Nan Citty and Blues Voice, the Jobe Blues Band, Avenue C, GRITS, Mystic Rhythm Tribe, and these days with the Roger Hay Band. He has run many weekly jams in the area including Brackins, Open Chord, Paul’s Oasis, and was part of the house band at Coyote Joes for many years. He was an officer of the Smoky Mountain Blues Society for almost a decade, serving for many years as President and Secretary.
In the past 19 years, Rob has taught approximately 700 students of all ages and all interests. He has the patience and experience to teach people of all ages effectively.
His mission is to ‘teach people what they want to learn, not what the teacher wants to teach’.
To get a feel for Rob’s teaching style, check out www.robhigg.net for lesson handouts and
videos.
To schedule lessons, call Open Chord at 865.281.5874. The first lesson is free!
Alternatively, you are welcome to reach out to Rob directly at
865.300.3648 / robhigg@gmail.com.
Questions and feedback are always welcome.