I was born in Lichfield in 1952.  I began to compose at a young age.  In 1970 I entered the Royal Academy of Music, studying composition with Simon Harris and organ with Douglas Hopkins.

I had my first major performance while still studying at the Royal Academy of Music in 1972 - Metamorphosen, for violin, double-bass, guitar, piano and percussion, conducted by a fellow student at the time, Sir Simon Rattle, whose student orchestra I performed with on piano/celesta.

Having graduated from the Academy I studied for a teaching qualification and then took up the post of music teacher at Willesden High School in 1974.  In 1981 I became Head of Department at Herries School, Sheffield, and in 1986 moved to my final post at Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School, Birmingham where I worked until retirement from full-time work in July 2005.

As a full time Head of Music, I was responsible for the running of a large and successful department, both in terms of examination results and extra-curricular activities.  The School Choir gained a national reputation over the years and had been involved on many occasions in radio and television work, notably Songs of Praise in 1995 and 1999.  In addition, the School Orchestra, which included pupils and staff, had music especially written and arranged for it by me, as particular needs could be targeted in a way that purchased music cannot. 

Since September 2005 I have worked part-time in a semi-retired capacity: as a keyboard teacher and sessional pianist for Birmingham Music Service; and as a Y5 and Y6 Music teacher at Monkspath J & I School, Solihull. 

In addition, I am regularly involved as an orchestral musician, playing piano, celesta and harpsichord, notably with Birmingham Schools` Concert Orchestra, who have performed my arrangements and compositions.  I also perform at numerous weddings as an organist/pianist, have performed with the Indigo Blues Band, and continue to arrange and compose music for groups of all styles and abilities.