Brentwood School superstar guitarist scoops Essex title

Brentwood School guitarist extraordinaire, Tom Hodgkinson, is the winner of the prestigious Essex Young Musician of the Year 2022.

Seventeen-year-old Tom, who is also a student at the Junior Trinity Laban Conservatoire, captivated the audience at Sunday's Final with his magical playing – also winning the Audience Prize.

In addition to the prize of £1,000 and the Essex Young Musician of the Year trophy, Tom will also be offered various professional recital engagements. He was presented with his prize by Nicholas Alston CBE, DL, the High Sheriff of Essex – himself a great music-lover.

A delighted Brentwood School Director of Music and Performing Arts, Mr Florian Cooper, said: “This competition has an age category of U25 and therefore Tom was up against many post-graduate conservatoire students and young professional musicians and to win is testament to Tom’s sincere musical gift, his dedication to his art and an uncompromising work ethic - bravo Tom!!

“Tom is equally versatile as a classical, jazz or rock guitarist and as such is at the forefront of the majority of music making at Brentwood School. As the principal guitarist in the school’s big band, performing in the pit in musicals or as a soloist with the Symphony Orchestra or in multiple chamber ensembles, Tom raises the profile and quality of all music making at Brentwood School to an exceptionally high standard.”