I was born at No1 Cathedral Green in Wells, Somerset in 1951, and went to the local Grammar School before gaining a place to read music at Christ Church, Oxford. I secured a place to do research, but did not secure a grant, and so came/went to London to look for employment. Here I joined the BBC as a music librarian and spent fourteen years in the music library working for Radio 3, and specifically at one time as librarian to the BBC Singers.

Soon after joining the BBC, I formed a staff choir - the BBC Club Choir - and the success of the venture led to invitations to conduct various other amateur, and later professional choirs and orchestras. My conducting commitments were such that in 1989 I left the BBC to pursue a freelance career.

I have been a composer since boyhood, and have written a huge number of pieces. Since being a freelance conductor I have focused more on composition, and of late this part of my life has increased dramatically.

In 1998 I was ordained a deacon in the Church of England and was ordained a priest in 1999. I have been a Non Stipendiary Curate in West Hampstead and am now serving in Hendon. I combine a freelance conducting and composing career with my work in the Church.

I am a Vice President of the Sullivan Society, and on the executive of the Musician's Benevolent Fund, where I chair the Education Committee.