Education

UK born and based trumpeter Ashton grew up in Luton (Bedfordshire) in a mixed-heritage family, attending schools in the local area, as well as the Luton Sixth Form College. He first started learning the trumpet through his local music service, aged 9. From a young age, Ashton had the opportunity to participate in affordable youth music groups that went on to perform at the Royal Albert Hall, playing concerts and attending workshops side by side with industry professionals, such as British jazz singer Jacqui Dankworth, and American composer Gordon Goodwin. Ashton also played with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra Academy Big Band in central London, between the ages of 16 and 18. 
 
Ashton studied an undergraduate degree - obtaining a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Jazz - at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire (2016 - 2020). During this time, he received regular trumpet tuition from Percy Pursglove and Steve Fishwick. Whilst in Birmingham, Ashton played weekly with the RBC Ellington and Jazz Orchestras, and has performed under the direction of British composer Mike Gibbs. He has also played with the Birmingham Jazz Orchestra, and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Ashton attended masterclasses and performed in Birmingham alongside musicians such as Eddie Henderson, John Fedchock, Patrick Cornelius, and Soweto Kinch, to name a few.