Unusual for a musician intent on a career in jazz, Tom Varner’s chosen instrument was the French horn. After studying at the New England Conservatory, he relocated to New York in 1979, where he became a significant figure in the downtown scene, in particular at the Knitting Factory. He worked with musicians such as Mark Dresser, Ellery Eskelin, Lee Konitz, and Steve Wilson, and contributed to numerous recording sessions. He also recorded several albums under his own name, notably 1986’s JAZZ FRENCH HORN. He has also composed film scores.