Began learning the guitar at the age of five. Started lessons the following year with Robert Johns in Lincoln, playing many times in school and in the local area. Won age group of the Lincoln Music and Drama Festival in 1991. Further experience by this time included electric guitar playing both in groups and in school productions. Sang bass in the school choir at Robert Pattinson School, Lincoln.

1992 saw the first performance in a masterclass and Distinction in Grade 8 Guitar (ABRSM), while completing GCSE examinations. Lessons continued with Robert Johns, including experience in a trio with double bass and a second guitar, playing original music. 1994 saw completion of A Levels and Grade 8 Theory of Music. Invited back by the Head of Music to teach guitar at Robert Pattinson School in September 1994 and also at St. Joseph’s School, Lincoln (now Lincoln Minster School) the following year. Attained Trinity College of Music’s Performer’s Certificate in Spring 1995. Also played in restaurants at this time.

Successfully auditioned at Birmingham Conservatoire in autumn 1995. Attended Bath international Guitar Festival in summer of 1996, playing for the late José Tomas, friend and associate of Andrés Segovia. Began study for BMus (Hons.) degree the following autumn with Simon Dinnigan (Classic FM/BMG) as first study tutor. In addition to solo performances at public concerts in the college’s Recital Hall, the CBSO Centre and the Adrian Boult Hall, experience throughout the degree course included work in guitar duets, trio, octet, in guitar section with orchestra, duet with recorder, free-improvisation, recording and samba. Taught guitar at Midlands Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, while studying.

Awarded First Class Honours degree in July 2000 following a performance as the soloist in the English Premiere of Guitar Concerto “Yi2” by Chinese composer Tan Dun in the Adrian Boult Hall, Birmingham, plus final solo and duet recitals.