Tom Farmer

Thomas Walter Farmer was born in Bristol, 7th June 1984. He took his first Piano lessons aged 4. After moving to Maldon, Essex aged 10, he studied piano with Leslie Boyce, working through the associated board graded system to Grade 8.

It was at secondary school where, encouraged by head of Music Sally Thompson, Tom's musical interests developed. A key member of the school music program at GCSE and A Level, Tom was involved in a wide range of musical situations: Accompanying the Choir in both classical and popular repertoire, a member of many instrumental ensembles, and reliable pianist for soloists.

It was aged 16, whilst playing with the school Jazz band, then ran by Peter Worth, that Tom first performed on Electric Bass. The regular Bassist was absent and Tom's ability to read Bass clef meant he was the inevitable substitute. Following the gig, Tom formalised his electric bass studies through lessons with John Bower.

Aged 17, Tom attended a jazz workshop run by Martin Hathaway and the Essex Youth Jazz Orchestra. Again, due to an absentee bassist, Tom was invited to play the evening concert with the orchestra and subsequently to becoming a long term member.

During his time with EYJO, Tom had his first exposure to the Jazz tradition. Through Martin Hathaway, he undertook considerable listening and reading to develop knowledge of Jazz Harmony and style. Following a successful tour to Belgium with the Orchestra, Tom was offered an Audition for the Bmus Jazz option at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Tom was accepted onto the course with the condition he transferred to Acoustic upright bass during the first year. Under the tutorage of Colin Paris (LSO) and Jeff Clyne, Tom developed the basic techniques and understandings of the acoustic bass. His Jazz education was lead by Martin Hathaway, Simon Purcell and Steve Watts.

The 4 year GSMD (2002-2006) course offered Tom an opportunity to become involved in the London Jazz scene. Through his contemporaries at the school, Tom began playing with many ensembles outside the school, including The National Youth Jazz Orchestra and The Heritage Orchestra (conducted by Jules Buckley). Whilst at the GSMD, Tom also took part in master classes lead by John Patitucci, Rufus Reid, Mike Gibbs, Kenny Wheeler and Branford Marsalis. He also was an assistant tutor on the Glamorgan summer School, two years running.

Following completion of the Bmus (2.1), Tom became an increasingly active member of the British Jazz Scene. He has performed with Martin Speake, Brian Abrahams, Brian Edwards, Martin Hathaway, Shabaka Hutching's Splay and Femi Temowo. Tom has played for the last 3 years with Empirical, featuring Shaney Forbes, Lewis Wright and Nathaniel Facey.