Tom Ward

Tom Ward

Tom Ward is a guitarist and classical musician from the United Kingdom. He is originally from Tasmania, Australia, and begins classical music studies in 1997 at the St. Cecilia School of Music, where he studies with violinist and guitar teacher Matthews Tyson. At that time he receives two music diplomas.

Education and early career

By 2001, Ward has first place finishes in numerous music competitions and releases his first CD, Tasmanian Sunrise. In the same year, he starts a BMus (Hons) degree on full scholarship at the Australian National University, studying under Timothy Kain. He graduates with first-class honours in 2005. During this period he also studies with Geoffrey Lancaster, Pavel Steidl and Carlo Barone.

Awards and recognition

Ward is named Tasmanian Composer of the Year in 2000 by the Australian Society of Musicology & Composition. In 2003 he receives the Foundation for Young Australians Australia Day Young Citizen of the Year award. In 2004 he wins first place in the ensemble section for guitar trio at the Australian International Guitar Festival, and also takes first place in the Open Instrumental section at Hobart Eisteddfod. He is a finalist at the International Gisborne Music Competition in New Zealand the same year.

Performances

Ward is regularly broadcast on the ABC and appears in Australian, New Zealand and Japanese newspapers. He performs in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and London, and at the request of Carlo Barone he performs an all-19th-century programme at the International Condrongianos Festival in Italy in 2004. He also performs at the Darwin International Guitar Festival and represents Australia with a series of 11 concerts at the Japanese World Expo.

Approach

Ward describes the guitar as a versatile and expressive solo instrument and treats guitar performance as part of a wider study of composers, conductors and soloists.

Related release

An EP called Infections is also associated with Tom Ward from Birmingham.