Oliver was born in Chelmsford, Essex in 1986. He began learning the piano with his father at the age of six and the trumpet at the age of ten with John Hutchins. He achieved a distinction in his Grade 8 at the age of fifteen and went on to win the Glyn Lewis Bursary and the Tom Acton Memorial Trust Award at seventeen. Shortly after this, he embarked on a four year degree course at Trinity College of Music. During this time he studied with teachers including Brian Thomson, Bob Farley and Andy Hendrie, as well as taking part in numerous masterclasses with international soloists such as Allen Vizzutti and Rex Richardson. In addition, his brass quintet won the prestigious Philip Jones Brass Ensemble Award
After graduating in 2008, Oliver went on to study for an MA in Performance at the Royal Academy of Music. Here he studied with James Watson, Mark David and Rod Franks and was a winner of the Worshipful Company of Musicians Brass Ensemble Prize. He completed his MA in July 2009 and since then has been working as a freelance trumpet player and teacher in and around London. Until recently he held the post of Principal Trumpet with the Young Musicians Symphony Orchestra. He also plays Principal Trumpet regularly with a variety of orchestras, including the Orion Symphony Orchestra.
As well as orchestral trumpet playing, Oliver has worked extensively in the solo and commercial fields. He has performed recitals at the St Marylebone Parish Church and the Old Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich as well as performing the Arutunian Trumpet Concerto at Chelmsford Cathedral. He has appeared live on BBC television at Westminster Cathedral and has recorded the introduction music for Peter Kay’s stand-up comedy tour. He has also toured and recorded with bands including The Zombies and Sparks.
When not playing or teaching, Oliver can usually be found enjoying various sports including football, running and squash.
