John studied at the Royal Academy of Music with Derek Simpson, cellist in the Aeolian Quartet. He subsequently played with the Halle Orchestra, Manchester. The orchestra toured regularly around Europe and visited countries such as Hong Kong. He subsequently trained as a luthier at the Newark School of Violin Making and enjoys the variety of performing, teaching and restoration of stringed instruments. He has played with a number of Midlands ensembles, including the Heart of England Orchestra, Sinfonia Viva, and also for Her Majesty the Queen’s Golden Jubilee visit to Leicester. He is often in demand with popular music and rock bands and records backing tracks for new releases. He is musical director/conductor of the Loughborough Orchestra.