John Dutton was born in Denbighshire, and became interested in writing music when he was about sixteen. He had passed examinations for piano playing when he was much younger, but taught himself composition, writing light music for piano, such as rags, marches etc. in his spare time.

Many years later, in 1989, John decided to teach himself brass band arranging, although he does not play a brass instrument. He has written ten marches to date (2020), and arranged others by R.B. Hall, Abe Holzmann, Alex. F. Lithgow and Frank H. Losey.

John has written various pieces including duets and quartets, and arranged other music for brass band.

Also included in the list of works is a wind band arrangement of "Presentation Day", and several piano solos.