I grew up in the village of Wendover, Buckinghamshire. At twelve, I began trumpet lessons, and by thirteen, had discovered the sound worlds of Mahler, Bruckner, and Shostakovich: their music has been a lifelong inspiration.
I served for fifteen years as a flautist in the Regimental Band of the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. After the army, I followed my academic interests by studying at Essex University, Goldsmiths College, London, and the Open University. My specialism includes sociology, the classics, and music. Recently I spent ten years teaching in South Korea.
I have composed throughout my life but my creativity took a new turn when I began to experience hypnogogic, aural hallucinations. The compositions showcased are the result of this interesting phenomenon.
I began conducting at the age of 4 when I used to turn the front room armchair back to front, put my shirt on backwards and conduct Song of Praise with a knitting needle. I ran my first band after school at the age of thirteen. I was a nerd at school and used to walk about with scores undewr my arm. I began conducting in my army band as the youngest musician I was in top classes (there were 8) at Kneller Hall for instrumentation and harmony. I was one of only a few non bandmasters to hold civilian diploma qualifications. After 15 years in the army I was set to go on a bandmasters course but decided to change career paths. Instead I went to university.
My other interests include writing and martial arts. I hold dan grades in several Korean martial arts. Martial arts have had a deep spiritual impact on my music.
Currently, I live on Scotland's border, in northernmost Northumbria. It is an awesome place where history, nature and ancient rock inspire me. I divide my time between teaching, conducting and composing. I am the founder of Northumbrian Symphonic Ensembles and the conductor of the Norham Village Brass Band.
