Guildhall alumnus Tom Nielsen returns to the School as Professor of Trumpet

Recognised as one of the most exciting brass players of his generation, Tom has quickly established himself at the forefront of the orchestral scene. In April 2023, he joined the London Philharmonic Orchestra as Co-Principal Trumpet and, following two seasons of acclaimed performances, was appointed Joint Principal in May 2025. He has also appeared as Guest Principal with the London Symphony, BBC Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia, City of Birmingham Symphony, BBC Philharmonic and Aurora orchestras. 

Tom’s path to the professional stage began as a cornet player with the Salvation Army in Croydon, with him eventually becoming a member of the International Staff Band from 2017–2022. He served as Principal Cornet of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain from 2017–20, and in 2018 made history as the first cornet player to win the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award. This accolade led to solo appearances with the Black Dyke Band at Symphony Hall, Birmingham, and with the BBC Concert Orchestra at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, broadcast live on Friday Night is Music Night. 

Tom graduated from Guildhall’s Bachelor of Music (Hons) programme in 2022, having previously studied with Junior Guildhall since 2014. In 2023, he reflected on his studies at the School as part of the 10 Years of Milton Court celebrations. 

Richard Benjafield, Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion at Guildhall School, said: 
“Tom Nielsen is an amazing and inspirational trumpet player. He graduated from Guildhall straight into a principal trumpet job, as did Phil Cobb and James Fountain before him. I am absolutely thrilled that Tom is joining our wonderful team of professors, continuing the tradition of excellence in brass teaching that Guildhall is renowned for.” 

Tom Nielsen, newly appointed Professor of Trumpet at Guildhall School, said: 
“I am incredibly excited to be joining the trumpet professorial staff at Guildhall. It is extra special for me as I have been associated with the institution since I was 13, when I attended Junior Guildhall and then the main school when I was 18. I cannot wait to pass on the knowledge that I have gained here for many years to come.”