ABOUT HARRY BASSETT
A Musical Journey (Updated 2025)
Harry Bassett is a dynamic and versatile performer, with an array of skills across multiple art forms. Based in Dorset, he works consistently as a composer, session musician and facilitator across touring shows with companies such as Extraordinary Bodies, Paraorchestra, Frozen Light, and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
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As an accomplished trumpet player covering genres from Dixieland Jazz, Ska/Reggae, Pop and Soul, Harry has played with many well-known artists around the UK and abroad including The Skatalites and Robbie McIntosh (Paul McCartney). His work has seen him perform at festivals and events such as Glastonbury and Brighton Fringe and venues including Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Abbey.
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As a composer, he is mostly known for his work with Extraordinary Bodies, a disabled-led circus company that champions diversity and equity in the performing arts. Here he has risen from Understudy Performer to Musical Director since starting with the company in 2019.
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His theatre work ranges from performing in and musically directing shows, to developing productions through research and development. Other theatre credits include roles with Diverse City, Shouting Mute and Glow Festival.
As a wheelchair user, Harry works with inclusive companies and actively encourages exploration while challenging barriers around accessibility in the arts. As a facilitator, he works extensively with assistive technology, helping to break down barriers for artists and musicians from all backgrounds.
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Harry found his love for music at just three years of age after seeing the Bournemouth Carnival Band, who dress as Spiderman. Little did he know that, after a year of following them obsessively, they would make him an honorary member. Harry began playing bugle in the band at age seven, and quickly transitioned to cornet, taking regular lessons at school.
For a number of years, he played with the Spidermen, attending all their performances and quickly realised he wanted to make more of his music.
At the age of thirteen, Harry was invited to join the Dorset Youth Jazz Orchestra (DYJO). This led him to perform a solo in the famous Rocky theme ‘Gonna Fly Now’ at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside 500 other young musicians.
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Harry went onto college in 2015, and achieved a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Popular Music. Here, he found himself facing new challenges by taking up keyboards to help him on his course and beyond.
At sixteen, Harry took on his first paid position in James Emmett’s Ragtime Revellers, a Dixieland jazz group, as well as joining the Decatonics as deputy trumpet player. These experiences allowed Harry to develop his abilities across very different styles
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Harry later joined Victoria Education Centre, working as a music technician and resonance board leader. Here, he worked with young people aged 3–19 through the use of technologies including iPads, Soundbeam and Eyegaze. Here he took on varied roles across the creative arts, not only in music, but also working alongside drama specialists to integrate music into sensory drama sessions.
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In 2021, Harry was proudly awarded a scholarship to study at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance.