Tom Kimber

Tom is a Northumberland based multi-instrumentalist who specialises in fretted strings, and is most often seen playing mandolin, tenor guitar and tenor banjo.

Originally from Bath, Tom moved to Newcastle in 2011 to study Folk and Traditional music at Newcastle University.

After graduating in 2015, he won the renowned Danny Kyle award at Celtic Connections festival in Glasgow with his band, Pons Aelius. He has since completed a masters degree at Newcastle University, with a focus on composing and performing contemporary mandolin repertoire.

With his two main bands, he has released numerous albums and performed at venues and festivals in the UK and Europe.

Tom additionally offers session musician work - adding his unique flare and musicianship to albums and national/international tours.

Besides performing, Tom is a dedicated educator and offers private lessons, alongside leading and co-ordinating a regular workshop series/band called ‘Hexham Bluegrass’, which performs regularly in the local area and is open to amateur musicians interested in honing their bluegrass skills.

Recent education clients include EFDSS (National Youth Folk Ensemble), The Glasshouse ICM (Folkworks Summer Schools), Queens Hall Arts Centre, Saltburn Folk Festival, and local secondary/high schools. Tom has led workshops and longer term education programmes for a range of festivals and arts organisations over the last decade.