Jordan Ashman

I feel incredibly honoured to be accepted as an LSO Conservatoire Scholar – it has made studying as a postgraduate student at the Royal Academy of Music possible. I am excited to embrace all the amazing learning and performance opportunities it offers, and look forward to seeing how much this will help me develop as a musician – and as a person.

Jordan Ashman is a British percussionist, who won the Grand Final of the 2022 BBC Young Musician, and was subsequently named a ‘Rising Star’ by BBC Music Magazine and The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Since then, he has played concertos and recitals in many renowned venues, as well as playing within some of the leading orchestras. Having graduated with first class honours from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, he started a master’s degree at The Royal Academy of Music in September 2026.

As a concerto soloist, Jordan toured with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, performing Jennifer Higdon’s Percussion Concerto, which The Times reviewed as ‘terrific’. Other concertos include the UK premiere of Robert Honstein’s Juvenalia at Symphony Hall Birmingham, a tour with the National Youth Brass Band of Wales, as well as performances at venues including The Bridgewater Hall Manchester, Bristol Beacon, The Wigmore Hall and The Roundhouse London.

Further performances include recitals at prestigious international festivals, where Jordan has won critical acclaim. After his performance at the Cheltenham Festival, he was described as a ‘real star in the making’ by The Telegraph and as ‘exceptional’ by BBC Music Magazine.

Jordan is a keen orchestral player and has played professionally with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, the Britten Sinfonia and the Birmingham Royal Ballet Sinfonia, with whom he is now on trial.

Outside of the classical world, Jordan enjoys playing drum kit, as featured in his entrepreneurial presentation of ‘Convergence’ – an event combining jungle music with a live band, including a collaboration with tabla player Dalbir Singh. He has also played at jazz venues such as Ronnie Scott’s and the 606 Club.

Jordan is grateful to be a London Symphony Orchestra Conservatoire Scholar, and is also supported by The Munster Trust, the Wayne Sleep Foundation and a Royal Academy of Music scholarship. He would also like to thank YCAT for their support through the BBC Young Musician aftercare scheme.