 As a harpsichordist , Pinnock toured Europe with the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields . While a student at the RCM , he was told by the registrar , John Stainer , that it would be impossible to make a living as a harpsichordist . He made his London debut at the Royal Festival Hall in 1966 with the <unk> Harpsichord Trio , which he co @-@ founded with Stephen Preston , flute , and Anthony <unk> , cello . At this stage , they were playing baroque music on modern instruments . His solo harpsichord debut was in 1968 at the Purcell Room in London . 
