A leading figure in the development of new repertoire for the trombone, Barrie performs worldwide as soloist, making regular concerto appearances and broadcasting frequently on radio and television. His repertoire of well over 100 works (about half written specially for him) embraces a variety of styles, ranging from the popular music of Ty Unwin (available on the new MPS CD Big Steel Drum) to music at the cutting edge of the contemporary scene (for example Richard Barrett's EARTH and Basalt).

Barrie also plays the didgeridoo, for which he has composed several pieces, and on which he has featured in all UK performances of Michael Finnissy's Red Earth (including the NMC CD with the BBC Symphony Orchestra). Barrie has also pursued a parallel career as a conductor, appearing with orchestras and ensembles throughout Europe. As director of performance programmes at Huddersfield University, Barrie became involved with leading modern-music ensemble Firebird.