Tommy Tynan

Born in Saddleworth, a stronghold of British brass banding, Tommy was immersed in music from a young age. After early beginnings on cornet and drums, he discovered his passion for the tuba and joined Marsden Silver Prize Band at 14. Under the mentorship of Glyn Williams and Les Neish, he quickly progressed, earning a place with the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and collecting awards such as the Tom Atkinson Award and the Katie Ogden Solo Award.

Tommy’s early career highlights include a year with Grimethorpe Colliery Band, playing a part in their 2015 British Open victory. He then spent several years with Oldham (Lees) Band while also building conducting experience and enjoying success in regional contests. In 2019, he committed fully to music, studying Tuba at the University of Huddersfield. There, he expanded into EEb Tuba performance and joined the Fairey Band.

Upon graduating with First Class Honours and the University Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Brass Department, Tommy uprooted his life and made a move to Wales, joining the then-number one brass band in the world Cory Band as Principal Eb Bass, quickly contributing to wins including the Welsh Regionals and European Brass Band Championships in 2022. His time at Cory was fruitful, with solo performances in concerts and contests being held to critical acclaim and earning Tommy accolades such at 4barsrest Band of the Year and Cory Band Player of the Year. He was also an integral part of Cory’s triumphant return to Brass in Concert in 2024, where he was featured soloist in their acclaimed entertainment programme.

Internationally, Tommy has toured extensively with bands, performing across South Korea, Germany, Lithuania, France, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden. In 2024, he toured Australia as a guest soloist and educator, joining Brisbane Excelsior Band in reclaiming the national title in Adelaide. That summer, he was also invited to tutor at Norway’s Manger Folkehøgskule summer school and in the summer of 2025 will head to Detroit, USA to work with the Five Lakes Silver Band.

In 2025, Tommy returned to the spotlight at the RNCM International Festival of Brass, where he performed his own arrangement of Ricardo Molla’s Amaia – Concerto for Tuba. Now a sought-after soloist, arranger, educator, and adjudicator-in-training, Tommy returns home to the north of England and takes up his position with the legendary Black Dyke Band.

Tommy is a Performance Artist for Randefalk Music, and the official Brass Band transcriber for Ricardo Molla.