Music has played an important part in my life since primary school days. At first I learnt organ, - the electronic organ was having its heyday and I was fully involved. As a young teenager I would demonstrate these instruments for local retailers at 'road show' events throughout Northern Ireland. A major highlight was performing at a public concert in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, along with organ legend Reginald Dixon (of Tower Ballroom Blackpool, Wurlitzer fame) when I was only 14 years of age.

At the same time I was progressing with my formal music education both at school (A-Level Music), and with private tutors on both classical organ & piano. I successfully passed ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal School of Music) Grade 8 at the age of 17, and later went on to earn 'merit' in a Guildhall School of Music Performance Exam.

I have held the post of organist and choirmaster at churches in Northern Ireland and here in the North East. I have also provided entertainment (Organ & Drums Duo) at functions and dinner dances, and performed on both Radio & TV.

My teaching experience spans nearly 30 years in various spells. To keep my skills up to date, - in 2009 I completed two Professional Development Courses run by the ABRSM, including their highly respected Teaching Music Effectively course, - this included both a written submission, and a practical 'lesson observation'  which was graded 'excellent'.