Thomas Armstrong (musician)

Sir
Thomas Armstrong
Armstrong by John Aubrey, 1970
Born15 June 1898
Died26 June 1994(1994-06-26) (aged 96)
Alma materKeble College, Oxford
Occupations
  • Organist
  • Conductor
  • Composer
  • Educationalist
RelativesRobert Armstrong (son)
Military career
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service/branch British Army
Years of service1916-1919
UnitRoyal Artillery
Battles/warsWorld War I

Sir Thomas Henry Wait Armstrong (15 June 1898 – 26 June 1994) was an English organist, conductor, composer and educationalist. He was from a musical family and his early career was as a church and cathedral organist. From the 1920s onwards he was a broadcaster for the BBC giving talks as well as playing.

While organist and faculty member of Christ Church, Oxford Armstrong combined academic work with practical musicianship, as player and conductor. From 1955 to 1968, he was principal of the Royal Academy of Music (RAM), London, where he was known for his concern for the well-being of his staff and students and his efforts to strengthen links with overseas music colleges.