Obituary: Peter Gane

Born in Poole, Dorset in 1948, Peter won an open scholarship at the age of 16 to study the trombone at the Royal Manchester College of Music, before becoming a member of the London Symphony Orchestra at 19. He established himself as one of Britain’s leading brass specialists, earning particular recognition for his work with young people. He maintained long-standing associations with both the European Union Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, serving the latter as Acting Director in 2009.  

Peter became a professor at Guildhall School in 1971, was elected a Fellow of the School in 1981 and was Head of the Wind, Brass and Percussion department from 1988 to 2008. He continued to contribute to the specialist brass and wind programmes at Guildhall and remained a professor within the department.  

As a teacher, brass specialist and conductor, Peter took masterclasses and workshops in many European conservatoires and with professional groups in Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Holland, Austria, Italy and the US. He was also an Artistic Adviser to the Combret Music Festival, Aveyron, France. In 1996 his international reputation was confirmed by the presentation of the Neill Humfeld Award for excellence in trombone teaching by the International Trombone Association.   

Peter was a founder and former president of the British Trombone Association and had many publications to his credit. His recent publications included: The Good Brass Guide, Trombone Books 1 & 2, published by Trinity Guildhall; Circuit Training for Trombone, volumes 1 and 2, Slide Systems, Five Games, Guildhall 125, World in Motion, Mansion House Fanfare, all published by Warwick Music; How Trombonists Do It, published by Brass Wind; Brass Medals, published by the Associated Board.  

Professor Jonathan Vaughan, Principal of Guildhall School of Music & Drama, writes:  

“The passing of Peter Gane marks a profound loss for the Guildhall School community. He was an inspiring and visionary leader, guiding the Wind, Brass and Percussion Department with unwavering passion and dedication. 

My admiration for Peter began when we first worked together at the NYO. I fondly remember the early morning warm-ups he created, which he whimsically named the “Wibbly Wobblies.” It was Peter who encouraged me to apply for the Director of Music position at Guildhall, a suggestion that was to significantly shape my career. 

His legacy spans 50 years, influencing generations of NYO and Guildhall students, many of whom owe their careers to his teaching and guidance. Generous to a fault, Peter’s every lesson and conversation was accompanied by his signature beaming smile. He was a Guildhall legend, and we will all deeply miss him.”