Mr. Hannigan hails from Trail, B.C., and has been making music since age thirteen—proving that some habits stick, especially the loud ones! He worked his way through Douglas College's UT program before earning a Bachelor of Music (2007) and Bachelor of Education (2008) from UBC. While in university he discovered his true passion: teaching music and gently reassuring students that forte does not mean "yell at your neighbour." During COVID, he completed a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from VIU (2022).

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Over the years, Robert has performed across classical, jazz, funk, ska, and rock—essentially any genre that gets people moving or at least tapping their foot to the beat. His resume includes performance credits with the UBC Symphony, the Vancouver Academy Orchestra, and the Vancouver Youth Orchestra. During his time in Vancouver, he worked with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra's Connects Program to bring live orchestral music into schools—because everyone deserves to experience a live timpani roll at least once! Since establishing roots in Prince George, he's been a regular with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra and the Big Enuff Big Band. He has served as director of the Prince George Community Band since 2014. For over two decades now, he's helped musicians of all ages find their rhythm, hit the right notes, and survive the occasional low-brass joke. 

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When he’s not on the podium or behind a brass instrument, you’ll usually find him tinkering in his workshop with 3D printers,  graphic design, code, or various wood-working tools. Whether he’s conducting, performing, or dialing in a rehearsal, Mr. Hannigan’s goal remains simple: keep music engaging, inspiring, and just the right amount of fun.