Edwin Farrar, BMus Baritone Horn

When did you start playing the baritone horn?

My first steps into music making were actually on the violin and piano, which I started around 11 years old. I started the baritone when I was 12 after visiting my local brass band, the Elland Silver Band near Huddersfield, and tried out the different instruments available at the time. I liked the baritone the most and I’m still playing it today! I still play the violin and piano in my spare time.

How are you enjoying your studies?

Coming to the RNCM to study was something I have always dreamed of doing. I’m really enjoying the course, particularly the theory and musicianship classes and the lessons with my tutor, David Thornton. I chose to study with David specifically because I knew he’d push me to my limits every single lesson. It’s definitely paying off, I’ve really noticed an improvement in my playing.

Do you have any upcoming performances?

I’m a member of the RNCM Brass Band. We’re currently preparing music for our Christmas Concerts, which will be in Huddersfield Town Hall and Dewsbury Town Hall. I’ve played at Huddersfield Town Hall many times and I always enjoy playing there. Once the Christmas concerts are out of the way we’ll be preparing for the RNCM Festival of Brass in late January next year.

What are some of your musical highlights?

Getting accepted at the RNCM is a highlight. Because I’ve been working hard as a musician for years and always wanted to study at a world-class conservatoire like the RNCM. I’ve also been lucky to play at the Royal Albert Hall twice, at the Music for Youth Proms.

I’m also part of a brass quartet here at College. Two tenor horns, one cornet and me, all of us being first-year students. It’s going really well! It’s not a conventional quartet so we’re trying to make new arrangements and hopefully one of us can compose a piece for the quartet as well. I knew two of the members before coming to College and met the fourth here.

What do you want to get out of your time at the RNCM?

 I want to be a good all-round musician. I want to pass on my experience with other musicians through teaching, do some conducting and play in a quality brass band as well. I’m also interested in studying a Master’s degree, probably here at the RNCM.

How are you enjoying Manchester?

I’m really happy here. I’m glad I stayed in the North of England, I feel more at home here! I live close to College now, just ten minutes away with some other students. It’s easy to get around the city and I’ve been to a few concerts at Bridgewater Hall, so I am enjoying the local music scene as well!