Introducing . . . Tommy Foster, Director of Music

What was your last role prior to JAGS?

I was Deputy Director of Music, Head of Instrumental Studies and a Deputy DSL at Eton College for the last nine years. Prior to that I had roles at St Mary’s Ascot and Ampleforth College. Before I was a teacher I was a freelance orchestral musician. I still do bits of professional playing when time allows.

What attracted you to work at JAGS?

JAGS has a unique musical history having had both Ralph Vaughan Williams and Gustav Holst as predecessors. It also has a very strong link to the musical community in South London. I applied for a Visiting Music Teacher role here some 20 years ago and was unsuccessful – it was time to set the record straight!

What kind of student were you?

I would like to think that I was a fairly hard-working student for at least some of my subjects. I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do and took Maths, Physics, English Literature and Music as A Levels. I started at University studying Electrical Engineering and after a year changed to do Music. My parents weren’t initially thrilled at the idea.

What do you want to achieve in your time here?

To try to put it succinctly; I want to ensure that we are providing the most appropriately challenging music education experience for everyone in the school.

Music needs to be accessible to everyone, and I would encourage every new Year 7 student to consider learning an instrument – it’s not too late!