Rob van Bavel graduated in 1987 at the Rotterdam Conservatory with the highest possible mark (A with distinction). He won several awards, a.o. the second prize at the first "Thelonious Monk Jazzpiano Competition" (Washington D.C.) , soloist awards in Germany/Belgium, the Wessel Ilcken award (Holland) and the Dutch grammy (Edison) for the cd "Rob van Bavel trio".
Released more than 100 cd's as a sideman and as leader: Rob van Bavel Octet and Rob van Bavel Trio. Some cd's released by RVB Productions. Played with Woody Shaw, Randy Brecker, Slide Hampton, Johnny Griffin, Bob Mintzer, Wynton Marsalis, Gary Willis a.o.
Nowadays working as a teacher at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague and the Conservatorium of Amsterdam.
Of course also performing (inter-)nationally with several groups.