Tom Rainer (Musical Director)

Tom is the Musical Director of The Brass Academy, and is currently Deputy Head (Pastoral) at the Pilgrims School in Hampshire where among his responsibilities he is Designated Safeguarding Lead and Head of Boarding.   In addition Tom still freelances in and around London.

Tom has worked with all the major London-based orchestras, has performed regularly in the West End and can be heard on radio, television and on many film scores, most notably 'Lord of the Rings'.

The son of Salvation Army Officers, Tom spent much of his early years in Africa whilst his parents were on missionary duty. His music career started at the age of eight, when he was given a cornet and the chart for the C scale, and told to go away and learn it.

Some years later Tom was awarded a scholarship to study with Ray Allen at the Royal Academy of Music in London. He continued his studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and graduated in 1992.

 In 1997 Tom was appointed principal trumpet of the National Orchestra of Ireland.  He is currently the principal trumpet of the London Concert Orchestra. As a soloist Tom has performed at various music festivals, including the San Sebastian International Festival and was a winner in the Portabello Music Competition in 1997.