Geoff Thomason

Geoff Thomason is a Research Fellow and Deputy Librarian at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), holding advanced degrees including a Ph.D. (2016) examining Adolph Brodsky’s role in establishing chamber music culture in late 19th and early 20th century Manchester. His research spans musicology, library science, and cultural history, with a focus on Manchester’s musical heritage and institutional development. He actively contributes to the International Association of Music Libraries (IAML), serving in roles such as Chair of its Service and Training Commission (2009-14) and Education Officer for the UK & Ireland Branch (2011-2018). Thomason teaches research and information skills to music students and oversees cataloguing of printed music and books at the RNCM Library. Beyond academia, he is a musician (clarinet, recorders, piano, organ), composer, and freelance music journalist with over 30 years of experience in publications like The Guardian and City Life. His recent work includes projects on amateur music-making in Manchester during World War I and Debussy’s reception in the region during the same period.