Of himself, John once said:
"Some composers blaze trails, others go along behind clearing the path and trying to encourage people to go in that direction: I'm one of those composers".

This certainly sums up John's attitude and approach to composing and music making and thus he inspired and enabled many musicians. Professionals, amateurs and children, responded readily to his music and his encouragement.

Earliest teacher was his mother at the keyboard.

1934-1944
The Down's School and Blundell's, (Devon) until the age of 18.

1944-1946
Bevin Boy, Newbiggin Mine helping in local community music.

1946-1949
Royal College of Music, London. Awarded ARCO.
Teachers at RCM were Harold Darke, Gordon Jacob and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

1950-1952
Westminster Abbey Assistant organist and teaching at Abbey School.

1952-1958
Freelance organist and lecturer for the WEA in Music Appreciation in London.

1961
Gained FRCO London.

1958-1988
Teaching Music at Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen; Fortrose Academy; Whitehill Secondary, Glasgow.
Choral and orchestral works written for schools during this time.

1982-1994
Retired to Fortrose where many works produced. Some works were commissioned by professional musicians; some written for school and community groups.
In 1985, he founded the Black Isle Singers, an amateur choir of people from many parts of the Black Isle. They felt privileged to sing pieces written for them by John and Fortrose became the venue for several first performances of choral works, some accompanied by professional players in the family or locality.

Funding for commissions and some performances came from various sources including:
individuals, Scottish Arts Council, Trust funds, Hebrides Ensemble, District councils and UK Lottery.