John started playing Trumpet at Parkinson Lane Junior School, Halifax and continued playing throughout his school life. In 1978 he joined the Army and was posted to Regimental Band of the 1st Battalion of The Prince of Wales’ Own Regiment . In 1982 he attended the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall where he studied Cornet, theory, harmony, composition and arranging. He joined The Band of the West Yorkshire Police in 1996