Trevor Austin
1931 - 2025
February 14, 2019 was a special day for me. I had the privilege of visiting Trevor Austin at his home near London’s Heathrow Airport for the NAMM Oral History program. From the moment he welcomed me in, Trevor’s joy for music lit up the room. His stories flowed endlessly, each one revealing the heart of a man devoted to sharing the gift of music with the world. As we walked through his home, he stopped to point out the many framed photographs of bands he’d performed with, including one image of him on horseback with euphonium in hand as part of a British Army mounted band.
Trevor’s love affair with music began in childhood, sparked by hearing live instruments that stirred something deep within him. He became an outstanding euphonium player, performing at some of the most historic moments in British history — including King George VI’s funeral and Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation as part of the Royal Horse Guards Band.
In 1967, Trevor took his passion further by founding Rosehill Instruments. His shops weren’t just retail spaces; they were vibrant community centers where musicians of all ages felt encouraged and supported. Trevor believed deeply in the transformative power of music and dedicated his life to nurturing young players, as well as helping them find their voices and confidence.
Trevor Austin embodied the spirit of music: generous, joyful and unwaveringly devoted to lifting others up. His legacy continues every time someone picks up an instrument and dares to dream.
Click here to view Trevor’s NAMM interview page.
Dan Del Fiorentino
NAMM Music Historian