Tammas Slater (History and Philosophy of Science 2019) is moving to the Royal Academy of Music following his graduation from Gonville & Caius College. It is a switch the Caius organ scholar thinks happened because of a change of academic direction.

Tammas, a BBC Young Composer winner in 2015, switched to the Natural Sciences Tripos, and specialised in History and Philosophy of Science, after two years reading Music.

“There’s so many other great things in Cambridge, I thought,” Tammas says.

“It’s quite nice to have a change; to not always be thinking about the same thing. Changing course gave me a lot of perspective on things other than music.

“It’s made me think more deeply about why I’d want to do music as well, and that’s been very helpful.”

Tammas initially matriculated at King’s before transferring college to Caius, where he held the Peter Walker Organ Scholarship throughout his four years at the University of Cambridge. He accompanied the Choir and performed at Chapel events.

Next he is following the path previously trodden by Caius Precentor Matthew Martin. Tammas is going to the Royal Academy of Music under the tuition of Head of Organ Professor David Titterington, who previously taught Matthew.

“I wouldn’t be going on to do new things without having made the change,” Tammas adds.

Tammas’ composing is paused at present due to performing time constraints. He admires Caius’ varied musical pedigree, including Fellow Professor Robin Holloway, something of a mentor.

“He’s taught everyone and there’s a lot to learn from people like that. I didn’t realise I’d come into contact with people like that when I first came up,” says Tammas, who is from Ilkley, Yorkshire, and attended Chetham School of Music in Manchester.

“Caius has such a varied musical heritage. We had Leslie Bricusse, who wrote the score for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, lots of conductors, composers, jazz musicians… that’s something to be celebrated.”