I studied music at St Osyth's College, Cambridge Institute of Education in the 1970s, and in the 1980s studied the Education of Students with Special Educational Needs at the University of Warwick. I've taught music and other subjects for many years, have been Head of Music at a mainstream secondary school and was Head Teacher of a residential school for students with extremely challenging behaviour for many years.

My musical experience includes singing in choirs, playing in orchestras, playing the organ in churches and playing alto sax (very badly) and keyboard in a rock band in the 1970s.

My main instrumental focus is the keyboard, and I have studied piano, harpsichord and organ. I have also always been around woodwinds, as my father was a saxophonist. I play, with various levels of expertise, alto sax, clarinet and bassoon.

My most recent composition was a pair of organ marches for when my daughter Katie and Rhodell Stabana got married in June 2018. The Bridal March starts in 4/4 time, but shifts into 6/8, which is more in keeping with Katie's liveliness and personality.