Thom Hardaker

About Thom Hardaker

Thom Hardaker is a professional accordionist, bandleader, and music educator based in Yorkshire, working nationally across live performance, teaching, and community music. With over 25 years of experience in the music industry, Thom maintains a varied portfolio career encompassing traditional, folk, classical, and contemporary work.

He completed seven years of advanced study at the Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory in St. Petersburg, training under Professor Oleg Sharov. This formal conservatoire education provides a strong technical and theoretical foundation, supporting his work across solo performance, ensemble playing, and dance-led music contexts.

Thom is best known for his work in ceilidh and social dance music, leading the Thom Hardaker Ceilidh Band at weddings, festivals, private events, and public engagements throughout the UK. He also undertakes extensive solo performance work, appearing regularly in pubs, restaurants, concert venues, care settings, and civic events. His experience includes working with a wide range of audiences and adapting performances to suit both informal and structured settings.

Alongside performance, Thom runs a well-established private teaching practice, delivering both in-person and online tuition. He teaches students of all ages and abilities, with a focus on technical development, musicianship, and sustainable practice habits. His teaching work contributes to skills development, access to music education, and long-term engagement with live music-making.

Thom regularly undertakes community and charitable engagements, performing at events supporting local organisations, care homes, and fundraising initiatives. This work reflects a commitment to widening access to live music and supporting community-based cultural activity.

Through ongoing professional development, regular performance, and education work, Thom Hardaker contributes actively to the UK music sector, balancing artistic standards with practical, audience-focused delivery. His career reflects the realities of freelance musicianship, combining performance, teaching, collaboration, and self-promotion within a sustainable professional framework.