I am a composer whose work is performed, recorded and broadcast internationally. Originally from Wigan, I began my musical life as a trumpet player, but studies at University of York and at Cambridge brought about a transition to composition specialism. I subsequently worked as Composer in Residence at Charterhouse. This was funded by the Ralph Vaughan Williams Trust, and as lecturer in music at Langley College in Berkshire and Amersham and Wycombe College Buckinghamshire.
I moved to the University College of Ripon and York St John, now called York St John University in 1994. In addition to my work I am a director of York's late Music concert series, and am currently Musical Director of the York Railway Institute Band.
I teach on the following Music courses:
- Musicking
- Composition Strategies
- Advanced Composition
- Collaborative Project
- Analysis, Composition, Dissemination (MA Composition)
- Independent Project (MA Composition)
I have taught on most modules within the BA Music degree programme, although most of my teaching is now concentrated on composition modules. I lead the MA Composition programme and I supervise PhD candidates specialising in composition.
My research is centred around my compositional practice. I have composed around 100 piece of original music, which are performed by soloists, ensembles, choirs and orchestras, in concerts and festivals around the world. My music has been recorded on CD and is available for online streaming. Since 2019 my sheet music has been published by University of York Music Press.
