Mr Paul Robinson
School of Arts, Media and Creative Technologies
Current positions
Lecturer in Music Performance
Biography
Paul Robinson is a highly respected bassist, composer, arranger, session musician, and educator based in Salford, England. With a career spanning over two decades, he has established himself as a versatile and sought-after musician, working across jazz, pop, and contemporary music.
Paul’s musical journey began at Chetham’s School of Music (1992–1999), where he honed his craft as a young musician. He then earned a place on the prestigious jazz course at the Royal Academy of Music (2000–2005), a programme that accepts only one student per instrument per year. Paul was the only electric bass player in his year, a testament to his exceptional ability and musicianship. During his time at the Academy, he was already working as a session musician in London, gaining valuable industry experience and performing with top artists. He remained in the capital until 2008, when he moved back to Manchester.
Throughout his career, Paul has performed and recorded with major artists, including Keane, Simon Le Bon, Katie Melua, and Brian Wilson. His adaptability across multiple genres has made him an in-demand bassist in both live and studio settings.
Alongside his performance career, Paul is a dedicated educator and currently serves as a lecturer in music performance at the University of Salford. His research interests include improvisation, advanced harmony, and collaboration with visual artists, exploring the intersections between music and other creative disciplines. As a composer and arranger, Paul brings a deep understanding of musical structure and creativity to both his teaching and professional work.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Paul launched Songs I Want To Play, a groundbreaking research project that reimagined classic songs using remote recording techniques. The project brought together session musicians who had found themselves out of work, providing a creative outlet and a platform for collaboration. It received huge respect from the music world, amassing over one million streams and two million YouTube views.
Paul remains active as a performer, composer, and arranger, balancing his work in academia with a continued presence in the music industry. His dedication to musical excellence, innovation, and education has made him a leading figure in the UK music scene.
Areas of Research
Improvisation, advanced harmony, and collaboration with visual artists, exploring the intersections between music and other creative disciplines.