Mentor Spotlight: Tom Walsh

Spotlight
Written By Nicholas lin

Precision, Versatility, and the Modern Trumpet

In today’s musical world, versatility is no longer a bonus — it is a necessity. Few musicians embody this reality as fully as Tom Walsh.

A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Walsh has built a career that moves effortlessly between jazz, film, pop, orchestral performance, and education. His trumpet playing can be heard not only on major concert stages across Europe, but on some of the most widely recognised film soundtracks of recent years — a testament to both his technical command and musical adaptability.

At Lion City Jazz Festival 2026, Walsh joins the mentor lineup as a representative of the modern professional musician: precise, flexible, and deeply grounded in musical craft.

From Conservatoire to the Global Stage

After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2013, Walsh quickly established himself as a first-call trumpeter across genres. His recording and performance credits include work with legendary figures such as Quincy Jones, Al Jarreau, Diana Ross, Chaka Khan, Benny Golson, and Branford Marsalis.

Equally at home in jazz and popular music settings, Walsh’s playing reflects a deep understanding of style, context, and musical intention — qualities that have made him a trusted collaborator across continents.

Soundtracking the Modern Imagination

Beyond the concert hall, Walsh’s trumpet work features on more than 50 film soundtracks, including major titles such as 007: No Time To Die, Avengers: Endgame, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning. In these settings, precision and consistency are paramount — and Walsh’s ability to deliver under pressure has made him a sought-after presence in the studio world.

Alongside his soundtrack work, he has performed with leading European large ensembles and orchestras, including the WDR Big Band, BBC Big Band, Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, Metropole Orkest, and the Danish Radio Big Band — environments that demand both technical excellence and musical sensitivity at the highest level.

Educator, Arranger, Craftsman

Walsh’s career extends beyond performance alone. He serves as Professor of Trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, while maintaining an active life as a session musician and arranger.

Working from his home studio, he has recorded on over 1,000 tracks — a staggering output that reflects not only productivity, but trust from composers, producers, and artists across genres. His work offers a clear blueprint for young musicians navigating today’s hybrid musical economy.

Tom Walsh at Lion City Jazz Festival 2026

At LCJF 2026, Walsh appears as both mentor and performer, sharing insights drawn from an international, multi-dimensional career.

Masterclass

Trumpet Mastery
by Tom Walsh (UK)
Presented with CYL Music Studio

This masterclass focuses on tone production, precision, endurance, and stylistic adaptability — offering practical tools for trumpeters navigating both live performance and studio work.

Finale Concert

Finale Concert – The Brecker Brothers & Beyond
Our Sound, Our Stories

Led by Randy Brecker and Ada Rovatti, the Finale Concert brings together an exceptional international ensemble — with Walsh contributing his distinct voice to a living extension of the Brecker Brothers’ musical world.

Mastery as a Lifelong Practice

Tom Walsh’s career underscores a central truth: mastery is not a destination, but a discipline. Whether in a recording booth, a concert hall, or a classroom, his work reflects consistency, clarity, and respect for the music.

At Lion City Jazz Festival 2026, his presence offers both inspiration and practical insight — especially for musicians seeking to build sustainable, adaptable careers in today’s musical landscape.

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Nicholas lin

I own Restaurants. I enjoy Photography. I make Videos. I am a Hungry Asian

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