Tom Barber is a pianist, trumpeter and composer, and studied Music at Manchester University. Since graduating in 2018, he has established himself as a performer and teacher in and around Manchester.
He performs with a number of groups including MSC Big Band, Jude the Obscure, and the Punjabi band Desi District. He also leads groups such as Laga Runa, Cambrican Club and Tom Barber Trio. Whilst studying, Tom directed the Manchester University Big Band, playing ambitious, contemporary jazz. Since 2018, he has organised fortnightly events for MSC Records, showcasing up-and-coming jazz groups from Manchester.
Tom studied piano, trumpet, theory and improvisation at Junior Royal Welsh College, and was a member of National Youth Jazz Wales whilst at school. He composed music for a big band recording project called ‘Subjunctive Orchestra’ in South Wales.
As well as performing, Tom is an experienced teacher. He works as a TA at a Special Educational Needs school in Stretford, for pupils with autism and learning difficulties. Tom offers piano and trumpet lessons to students of all ages and abilities. As Tom’s background is primarily in jazz, he has extensive experience teaching improvisation, and is also able to teach up to Grade 8 in classical music. He tailors his teaching to each individual student, taking into account their musical goals and interests.