As a community mental health worker Rob Schafer knows only too well the importance of mental health well-being.
While there are many ways to foster good mental health Rob attests, ‘music’ has to be the best medication. A sax and piano player, he admits without music, “ I would have been miserable”.
And when he’s not in his 9-5, you can find him running The Phoenix Big Band. It’s a project helping young musicians to experience playing in a full jazz big band.
Luckily for Catch22jams, he’s been playing with us for many years now. The guys at C22 talk affectionately about the joy Rob gives and receives from playing music.
I decided to talk to Rob about the power of music and the impact of Catch22jam’s lottery funded project ‘Connections‘.
Written by Belle Giffen
Belle: What is the connections project and why is it so important for High Wycombe?
Rob: The connections project is one afternoon a month, open arts and music at The Front Room. It’s welcoming to all ages and people and there’s no pressure you can just turn up and join in. The Project’s aim is to connect people through music, art, community and wellbeing.
Belle: You’ve worked with Catch 22 many times, how would you describe the approach that they take to combining creativity and well-being?
Rob: The creative process is always about fun and doing things that are different and interesting. As humans, we love new stuff, and that is well-being in itself. They are always up for interesting collaborations, like freestyle rap, Eastern European jazz, or Gypsy Jazz. We know that creative activities – like dance, art, and film – allow people to express themselves and take their minds away from particular troubles.
Without music, I think I would have been miserable; it gave me something to connect with people.
Belle: Why is it important to do the project specifically at the Front Room in High Wycombe?
Rob: It is a really welcoming, creative space. It’s not just a coffee shop where you buy a drink; it’s a space that feels more “ordinary,” where you can see art classes and games. It’s in the town center, which is a great location because people can just drop in and “test the water” as they carry on with their day. Also, the plants – it’s like an urban jungle, which is great for well-being.
Belle: How did your relationship with music evolve as you learned more about mental health?
Rob: Practicing certain kinds of music, particularly jazz or ragtime, occupies my brain. If your brain is busy thinking about that, it takes your mind off anything that is bothering you. Music also taught me how to relate to the world; in an ensemble, you are part of a team where you have to follow the rules and work together. Unlike sports, music is cooperative – there is no opposition and you aren’t trying to win. Music has been pretty pivotal for me to express some emotions I can’t express any other way. It’s distracted me when I needed distracting, and it’s taught me how to relate to other people.
Belle: How would you describe the emotional or psychological impact that music can have on individuals?
Rob: It is life-changing, particularly for young people. It transforms how they relate to school and home. Without music, I think I would have been miserable; it gave me something to connect with people. I honestly think it can save people’s lives. If people don’t have something they feel passionate about that connects them to others, they are going to run into trouble.
It is a really welcoming, creative space. It’s not just a coffee shop where you buy a drink; it’s a space that feels more “ordinary,” where you can see art classes and games.
Belle: There seems to be stigma surrounding mental health and creativity-why is that?
Rob: There is a huge taboo around loneliness. It is so common that virtually everyone has experienced it, yet it’s the last thing anyone wants to say. There is a stigma that makes it hard to admit to crippling anxiety or being depressed. If you have a cold or the flu, people are sympathetic, but people still feel ashamed to admit to being depressed for a few weeks. I think it would be nice if we could be more accepting of these experiences.
Belle: How do you see music functioning as a form of communication, especially for people who might struggle verbally?
Rob: Music is another way of being together without the default assumption that you have to talk. Talking can be effortful and anxiety-inducing – you worry about being interesting enough or saying the right thing. In jazz, we don’t have to do small talk; we play for hours and communicate by being sensitive to each other and the musical structures. It’s a brilliant way of being together for people who find small talk difficult
Next Connections on the 31/01/2026 but look out for more dates if you cannot make it!
Also look out for Gypsy Jazz on the 31/01/2026 from 7pm get those TICKETS