How mentoring has completely shaped my musical journey: NYO cellist Austin Thomas

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Being mentored throughout my musical journey has completely shaped the musician and person that I am today.

Throughout the years, I have always been inspired by more experienced players in The National Youth Orchestra. They have always looked out for me and helped me when I needed it. This is definitely the case with NYO Inspire where musicians, who are looking to get more out of their playing, practise and perform alongside musicians in the orchestra. It’s completely tied into the experience.

I also play a lot of music with my accompanist, Simon Passmore, at school. I have been working with him since I was nine years old. He has helped me bring a level of excitement into performances and reach deeper into the music than I would on my own. By having such a good bond with him, it allows us to get the best from performances and the music.

My cello teachers have all had a huge impact on the way I play and approach music today. Each one has brought their own set of ideas to the table which has broadened my horizons.

My first cello teacher, Danny Norbury, at Wigan Music Service really inspired me, and still does today both musically and personally. When I first heard him play, the sound resonated so much with me it made me want to be a part of the sound that was being made. This mentoring experience really enhanced my cello playing.

I next worked with Barbara Grunthal and she helped me to focus in great detail on the foundations of my technique, and this has allowed me to access more complex music as I have developed. I hope I can pass these skills on as a mentor in the future.

Seeing my mentors perform has given me a drive to improve my playing and increased my confidence. The welcoming environment during rehearsals made me feel like I belonged and gave me confidence in my own performances.

As my confidence grows, I’m starting to mentor others now too. It’s not like you’re officially given the title of mentor. It just gradually happens and you find yourself supporting others.

Seeing my mentors perform has given me a drive to improve my playing and increased my confidence

It is interesting to see how the smallest actions or gestures can help someone hugely, whether that is just being a friendly face, helping with a technical passage or passing on musical advice; these all have a big impact. This is rewarding to me, to know that I have helped someone.

In a student-led chamber group there was a moment during rehearsal that made me realise just how important having a solid understanding of pulse is. If you aren’t all on the same page about it, the whole piece and performance can be disrupted. By identifying and working on this, we managed to create a special and unified sound. I have carried this over into many different settings and it is one of my core principles as a musician.

My current cello teacher at Chetham’s School of Music, Gillian Thoday is an inspiration. She said something to me that completely changed the way I approach and think about playing: if I did less physically, then I would get more back from my sound and from the cello in return. This allowed me to widen the scope of sounds that I can create.

My advice for young musicians out there is to be open to meeting and connecting with other people

Gillian also has a unique philosophy on bow technique that she developed after being taught by André Navarra. It was such a privilege when she shared this with me, as her student and I hope that I can pass this on to someone, one day. This shows that the mentoring cycle never stops. It’s so powerful.

You never know when you are going to meet someone who will change your life musically,  it can happen in any setting. My advice for young musicians out there is to be open to meeting and connecting with other people. Be inquisitive about learning from teachers and other musicians. It can unlock something really special you didn’t know was there, in your playing and beyond.

The National Youth Orchestra will perform at Manchester Bridgewater Hall on 9 April, followed by the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London on 11 April 2026. Tickets are free for teens! Find out more and buy tickets here: https://www.nyo.org.uk/events-and-performances?types=107

Photos courtesy NYOGB.