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Akira Liu is a PhD candidate at the Centre for Performance Science, Â鶹ÊÓƵ, supervised by Dr Anna Detari, Professor Trevor Herbert, and Amos Miller. His doctoral research takes an educational–cultural–historical approach to examining the relationship between professional training practices—such as common exercises and daily routines—and embouchure-related issues in trombone playing. The topic also includes a review of prominent didactic treatises for trombone within the conservatoire training system and its development. Supported by an RCM doctoral scholarship, his work seeks to promote efficient and healthy performance practice. Besides his own research, Akira also works as a research assistant and graduate teaching assistant Â鶹ÊÓƵ.  

Alongside his academic work, Akira is an active freelance bass trombonist, performing with a range of training and local orchestras in London. He has studied bass and tenor trombone with renowned trombonists including Paul Milner, Josh Cirtina, James Buckle, Andrew Connington, and Matthew Knight. Personal experience with dystonic embouchure movements during his own professional training has shaped his interest in dysfunctions in brass playing and the history of trombone pedagogy. He also has a strong interest in German Romantic trombone traditions as part of the enthusiasm in historical study.  

Akira holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from University College London, where he specialised in cognitive psychology, philosophy of mind, and research methodology, serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant. He later completed a Master of Science in Performance Science at the RCM with distinction. His master’s research investigated teaching philosophies and the role of imagination in brass performance, which has directly informed his current doctoral study.  

Beyond his professional commitments, Akira is an enthusiastic landscape and event photographer. He also enjoys fencing as a recreational pursuit.