Russell Gilmour
Russell Gilmour was born and raised on the Isle of Man. His enthusiasm for playing the natural trumpet was sparked at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, thanks to the inspiring influence of David Staff. This fascination continued to flourish under Michael Laird at the Royal College of Music, London, where Russell was awarded a Master of Music in Historical Performance with distinction.
Russell is an established specialist in both natural and finger-holed trumpets; he also plays the cornetto. Russell has performed extensively across Europe, as well as in Asia, North America, and Australia. Festival appearances have included the BBC Proms, Leipzig Bach Festival, and the Handel festivals in Göttingen, Halle, and London. He features on many notable recordings, including as a soloist in Bach’s second Brandenburg Concerto in a Berlin Classics release marking the tercentenary of these iconic works.
His innovative book, ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet, was published in 2024; it has been described as ’the ultimate guide on how to play the natural trumpet’.
An experienced and fully qualified teacher, Russell is often invited to give lectures and masterclasses at prestigious higher education establishments. Russell periodically offers natural trumpet courses; for more information please visit www.russellgilmour.co.uk/projects/courses
An interest in brass instrument repair, under the supervision of the brass instrument maker, restorer, and collector Frank Tomes, evolved into an in-depth apprenticeship in natural trumpet making with David Staff. Graham Nicholson also had a significant influence, particularly in the field of engraving, which has been a focus since 2016. The enlightening hours spent in the workshops of these skilled masters inspired Russell to establish his own workshop.
Trumpet Making
What began as an interest in brass instrument repair in 2010 (with the maker, restorer, and collector Frank Tomes) progressed into an in-depth natural trumpet-making apprenticeship with master-craftsman David Staff from 2015. Graham Nicholson also had an encouraging influence, particularly in the field of engraving.
Russell served as David Staff's apprentice and hand engraver for 11 years before taking over his atelier in 2026. In that same year Russell completed an ambitious project, supported by Arts Council England, to study with some of the finest silversmiths and engravers in Great Britain. He studied hand engraving with Malcolm Appleby, chasing and repoussé with Miriam Hanid, and silversmithing with Julian Stephens and Ray Walton.
Russell took over David Staff's workshop in October 2026 and began making and selling trumpets. His instrument making combines his experiences of high-level performing, as well as practical research and years of study for his innovative book 'Just' Natural Trumpet. This approach allows him to offer instruments that combine historical accuracy with innate professional utility.
Russell's natural trumpets are hand built from start to finish, and he offers a plethora of interchangeable components that will convert the historical corpus of the trumpet for use with finger holes.
Russell Gilmour’s book, ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet, is now available:
Russell Gilmour has written and published a fascinating new book, entitled ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet, which is available here and from www.justnaturaltrumpet.com.
In ‘Just’ Natural Trumpet, acclaimed historical trumpeter Russell Gilmour guides the reader through the acoustics, playing techniques, and repertoire of this remarkable instrument, with its illustrious history, fascinating symbolism, and distinctive intonation based on the harmonic series. This practical introduction to the natural trumpet without finger holes begins with a thorough guide to the instrument inspired by the latest acoustical and pedagogical research. The reader is then taken on a lavishly illustrated chronological journey through the repertoire from the late Renaissance to the dawn of the Romantic era, with abundant historical examples that have been carefully chosen to help the reader develop experience and finesse as a natural trumpet player. Gilmour’s astute analysis and practice advice complement the historical sources, and his insightful approach puts the natural trumpet firmly in the spotlight.
Read the blog about the launch event here, and please watch this YouTube video for more information about the book.
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Orchestra of the 18th Century
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Hampton Court Palace
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Händel-Festspiele Göttingen
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Westminster Cathedral
