​Parry Wood Organ Scholar, Tom McLean

 

Tom McLean is a second-year music student at the university.

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Tom was educated at the Royal Grammar School, Guildford, having earned a music scholarship. There, he enjoyed musical pursuits not only on the organ, but notably trumpet and classical saxophone – he has achieved his Associateship of the Royal Schools of Music on both with distinction. At RGS, Tom also sang in choirs, allowing him to sing evensongs at Chichester, Winchester, and Christ Church Cathedrals in addition to Keble College Oxford, and Clare College Cambridge. He also founded and directed a madrigal ensemble which allowed him to learn much about both choral direction and conducting more generally.

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Tom started playing the organ in 2019 and has studied under Richard Moore, Philip Scriven, as well as piano under Jan Newman, and conducting under Peter Hugh White. Tom is a Colleague of the Royal College of Organists and has passed his ABRSM Grade 8 examination with Distinction. He was also organ scholar at St John the Baptist Church West Byfleet for two years. In 2023 he won both the Bach and Solo classes in organ performance at the Godalming Festival of Music and Drama. A particular highlight of his organ playing thus far would surely be performing the Poulenc Organ Concerto with Southern Pro Musica, conducted by Sam Orchard.

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