Joel Godfrey

Joel Godfrey's musical journey began at the Junior Guildhall before earning a scholarship for his degree at the Royal Northern College of Music in 2012. There, he studied under Rob Holliday, Simon Cowen, and Roger Cutts. In his third year, Joel attended the Hochschule für music und Theatre in Leipzig, studying with Berlin Philharmonic trombonist Thomas Leyendecker. Notable highlights from his final year included performing in a Christian Lindberg Masterclass, playing with the RNCM Big Band at the International Arts Festival in Malta, and being part of the RNCM Trombone Choir, the first British ensemble to win the ITA Emory Remington Trombone Choir Competition. In 2021, Joel was awarded a scholarship to pursue his Masters at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where he studied under trombonists Richard Watkins, Anthony Howe, and Amos Miller, all holding senior positions with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Royal Ballet. During his final year, Joel had exciting placements with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, the NEXT study scheme with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group, and the CBSO. During his time studying, Joel immersed himself in a wide variety of musical genres, including solo classical, orchestral, opera, jazz big bands, contemporary ensembles, and function bands. Currently based in London, Joel enjoys a diverse range of freelancing opportunities and teaching engagements. Recent performances include playing with the Mozart Symphony Orchestra, local orchestras, and function bands.