Toby studies in Amsterdam

In April I travelled around the world to audition at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and was accepted to study with two phenomenal trumpet players, Omar Tomasoni and Miroslav Petkov. They are the Co-Principal Trumpets of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam, and between them at the CvA teach a class of only three students.

To take up this epic opportunity I will be shifting from Wellington to Amsterdam in August to start this exciting next chapter in my life. During the time I'm there I will be constantly surrounded by amazing opportunities, such as top New Zealand artists and orchestras, other students to challenge me, and the rich cultural fabric that Europe has to offer. This campaign will help me out with the New Zealand fees I will have to pay at the conservatorium.

For those of you who don't know me so well, here's some of the things I've done so far.

I'm a trumpet player from the amazing city of Wellington, New Zealand. Last year I graduated with a bachelor of music at the NZ School of Music, studying with Mark Carter and Mike Kirgan from the NZSO.

My musical journey began when I was about 6, when I began learning to play the piano off mum. Soon I began to learn the cornet with the local brass band in Upper Hutt, and this soon lead on to trumpet lessons at the local music center. In high school I started cello lessons, and enjoyed it so much I chose to study cello alongside my trumpet studies, with Inbal Meggido at NZSM.

I have been lucky eough to play regularly with Orchestra Wellington, the NZSO, the Air Force Band, Wellington Brass, and a number of chamber groups since starting out at university. Some absolute highlights have been sitting as principal cornet of Wellington Brass for our last two New Zealand titles, being principal cornet and soloist with the New Zealand Youth Brass Band on our Australia tour this year, and playing principal trumpet in last year's epic NYO programme, with Jaime Mart�n, where I was awarded the Alex Lindsay Special Award for most outstanding player.

A highlight of this year has definitely been winning the Champion of Champions competition at the New Zealand Brass band contest in Hamilton. This is a competition I have always watched with such awe, and to be in this position is an achievemt i am incredibly proud of!

Thanks for helping boost me to Europe! All your support is invaluable, as every last penny makes a huge difference!!