Originally from Ireland, John studied music at the Royal Academy of Music London, the London University Institute of Education and the University of Canterbury.

He has lived in New Zealand since 1963. Much of John’s life has revolved around teaching as a primary and secondary school teacher, as a trainer of teachers, a lecturer and a conductor of childrens and amateur orchestras. He has arranged and composed music for a wide range of musical groups both choral and instrumental. He is a former Musical Director of the Christchurch School of Music.

All the numbers in the Putting on a Concert series were originally written for school orchestras. John believes that this music should be enjoyable as well as meeting the needs of young performers.