Oli Arnold

Oli Arnold is a freelance trumpet player and improviser from London. Graduating from the University of Manchester in 2019, Oli went on to be awarded a scholarship to study at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama. After completing his master’s, he was made a Junior Fellow, acting as an educator and mentor. Playing in orchestras and big bands is a large part of Oli’s work schedule, annually touring Europe and Britain alongside his London-based projects. He is a member of Down For The Count Orchestra, Marvin Mouneké Big Band and also plays with the London Jazz Orchestra, Sam Every Big Band and the Glenn Miller Memorial Orchestra. With these ensembles and others, Oli has performed at venues such as Cadogan Hall, Ronnie Scott’s, The Barbican, Perth Concert Hall and Annabel’s. A special career highlight was playing lead trumpet with the BBC Singers in a Radio 3 broadcasted concert. Aside from orchestral projects, Oli is frequently booked for events and functions, working for corporations such as Mercedes, Arsenal Football Club and the City of London. He also performs and records with numerous pop and folk artists: Greta Lovisa, Jo Hill, Chilli Jesson and Tugboat Captain. Oli’s abilities as an improviser shine through in these more intimate settings — singer Wayne Hernandez described the trumpet player as “the star of the show” after A Tribute To Motown concert at St Jude on the Hill (June, 2024). Amongst performances and recording sessions, Oli spends time as an educator in several London secondary schools, inspiring students to learn brass instruments and helping more accomplished pupils with A Level recitals. He also continues to write and record his own music which can be viewed online.