After completion of his studies in his homeland Australia, Brian Finlayson left to study further at the Academie in Cologne, Germany with the world renowned violinist Igor Ozim and the famous Amadeus Quartet. During this period he was also concertmaster and soloist on tours throughout Europe and America with the Heidelberger Kammerorchester.
After his return to Australia he became concertmaster of the Australian Phillharmonic Orchestra and was appointed Lecturer for violin, viola and chamber music at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne. During this time he also formed the Australian String Ensemble which performed throughout Asia, Australia and Europe to great critical acclaim.
He was awarded the `Advance Australia Award` in 1989 for 'Outstanding Contribution to Music in Australia`.
Since 1990 Brian Finlayson has been a resident of Austria where he is Professor for violin, viola and chamber music at the Carinthian State Conservatorium. He has been a Juror at National and International violin and chamber music competitions, he gives concerts and courses regularly in Portugal, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Australia and Greece.
Since the formation of Academia Ars Musicae in 1991 he has been concertmaster and director of the Ensemble.