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Thomas Fletcher

A lover of jazz and world music, currently studying a Music degree and working in the world of jazz...

About Me

Thomas engaged in his passion for music from the early age of 8 receiving saxophone lessons before deciding to embrace his musical passion with his studies. Whilst studying music in his formative years, Thomas excelled through the ABRSM grades on the saxophone accomplishing Grade 8 Distinction by the age of 16. After completing his Music GCSE with an A, Thomas began to focus on his Diploma for Saxophone. In the Summer of 2017, he attained a distinction in this and was awarded an Associate of the Royal Schools of Music. ​ In the same year, he achieved three A-levels including grade A in both Music and Music Technology at Farnborough Sixth Form College, where he studied as a Music Scholar. Farnborough Sixth Form College is widely reputed to be the finest college of further education in which to study music at A-Level. The Government’s Department of Education, describing it as having “a distinguished contribution to music education in the UK”. While studying at Farnborough, Thomas seized the opportunity to work alongside and learn from fellow enthusiastic musicians and relished in setting up and running jazz ensembles. His dedication to performance ultimately led to him winning the coveted Concerto Competition held at The Royal Academy of Music. His prize being to perform a Saxophone Concerto with a full, professional Orchestra. ​ Thomas now attends University of London, Goldsmiths where he was awarded a scholarship to study BMus Music and will graduate in the summer of 2020. Thomas is tutored by two industry luminaries, Paul Bartholomew and Mick Foster. Taking full advantage of the opportunities afforded by studying in London, Thomas has performed at many venues across the capital with a full repertoire of music styles. Thomas is involved in several jazz ensembles and groups including playing lead alto for the Creative Jazz Ensemble at Goldsmiths as well as lead tenor saxophonist for The King’s College London Big Band, whose latest album features on Thomas’s home page. He has also been involved with more contemporary ensembles in experimental music with electronics; his most recent example has been his working and variation on the work of Stockhausen. ​ He has trained with, and had the opportunity to perform alongside many talents within the music industry such as the Marici Saxes, Mark Armstrong (Director of NYJO), Bob Minzter, Courtney Pine, Billy Harper, Laura Jurd and Pee Wee Ellis (Saxophonist of James Brown). Thomas has also had experience in musical theatre performing beside musical director of West End production The Commitments, Alan Berry at the Palace Theatre, London. Other notable locations that Thomas has performed at in London include Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Spice of Life Soho and the Rivoli Ballroom to name but a few. Thomas has had the honour of performing a short interlude set with a quintet at the Urban Music Awards celebrating the rise of British Jazz in the London scene attend by the stars of the industry. As well as the London scene, Thomas has performed all over Europe featuring tours in France, Germany, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, Spain and Italy.

My Jazz Story

My musical journey started at the age of 8 when I first began playing the saxophone, 12 years on, I now find myself immersed in an eclectic range of world music and styles. I first entered the world of jazz performing in school jazz bands, my love for the genre soon blossomed as I started to understand different styles of jazz, one of which I admire thanks to my grandfather, Bossa Nova. I currently study at Goldsmiths University of London where I'm pursuing a BMus Music degree specialising in jazz. Living in London is a great asset for a musician like myself, especially observing how the South London jazz scene is transforming into a wonderful prospect. My main hobbies are attending jam sessions, listening to concerts in prestigious venues such as Ronnie Scott's and performing with the rising stars of the London jazz scene! Some of my most memorable concerts which I've attended in the UK have been from artists such as Chick Corea, Joshua Redman, Branford Marsalis and Dave Liebman to name a few.