Ross Lyness

Ross Lyness is Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM). He holds an MMus in Trombone Performance from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and a LLB in Law. His career combines professional performance, arts management, and education.

• Roles: Head of Junior RIAM (2020–present), Principal Trombone of Wexford Opera Festival Orchestra (2013–present), and Irish National Opera (2019–present).
• Performance: Orchestras include BBC Scottish Symphony, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Collaborations with ensembles like Belfast Ensemble and European Brass Collective.

Research/Teaching: Focus on diverse genres (jazz, contemporary, classical) and pedagogy, with masterclasses in Ireland, USA, and Spain. Led Junior RIAM’s transition to the new campus and expanded programs like the Young Artist Programme.

Grants/Advising: Mentorships with National Youth Orchestras of Ireland and Cyprus Youth Orchestra. Advocacy for diversity in arts education.

Labs/Teams: Member of Belfast Ensemble and European Brass Collective, emphasizing cross-disciplinary collaborations.