Garfield Austin began playing the trombone at 12 and, like many classical brass players, was initially immersed in the world of brass bands; as principal of the 70-strong county youth band but also the youngest member of the West of England Champions, Camborne Town. As one of the senior British brass bands, Camborne recorded recitals for BBC Radio 3 and were Championship Section national finalists.
Garfield made the move to classical performing and attained his RCM performance diploma under the guidance of the legendary Denis Wick, and went on to study advanced orchestral technique with Ian Bousfield (Principal Trombone, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra) and Dudley Bright (Principal Trombone, London Symphony Orchestra). He freelances extensively as a classical tenor and alto trombonist and has performed with professional ensembles including Chaconne Brass, Bath Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, BSO Brass Ensemble and The Sinfonietta. Garfield is the Principal Trombone of Bristol Ensemble.