Tasman (Tas) Compton is an aspiring bassoonist from Hobart who has the deepest passion for music. Since first picking up the instrument at the age of twelve, he has never wanted to put it down.
Tas began his tertiary education at the University of Melbourne under the tutelage of Lyndon Watts and completed his Bachelor of Music at the University of Tasmania (UTAS) studying with Tahnee van Herk, Principal Bassoon of the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. During his tertiary studies, he was supported by both the University of Melbourne Bachelor of Music Scholarship and the UTAS Conservatorium of Music scholarship. While living in Hobart, Tas performed with the UTAS Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra, the Hedberg Ensemble, Hobart Chamber Orchestra, and the Tasmanian Youth Orchestra.
Tas has participated in Australian Youth Orchestra (AYO) programs since 2018, and was Principal Bassoon of the Australian Youth Orchestra in 2022. One of his favourite AYO experiences was performing in Victorian Opera production of Wagner’s Parsifal. He has performed as a casual musician with both the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
At age 17, Tas made his solo debut in May 2019 with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra as winner of the 2019 TSO Rising Star Competition, performing the Danzi Bassoon Concerto in F.
Tas has been privileged to study with Roger Brooke, John Panckridge, Tahnee van Herk and is thrilled to return to Melbourne. In 2023, he commenced his first year at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) studying with Lyndon Watts and Matthew Wilkie.
When not practicing or making reeds, Tas enjoys running outdoors, cooking a nice meal, and spending quality time with friends.
FROM: Hobart, TAS.
Tasman’s training at ANAM is fully supported by ANAM Syndicate donor Ian Manning
Photo credit Pia Johnson