Chris initially studied piano at the Adele Franklin Studio in London, before continuing his
studies with Joseph Weingarten at the Royal Conservatoire of Music in Birmingham.  After completing a post graduate education course, Chris taught in London developing a multi-
disciplinary performance arts curriculum.

Having completed a Masters in Music Technology
at the University of York, Chris was appointed Subject Chair in Arts Education at the
University of Exeter. While at Exeter Chris became interested in the philosophy and practice
of community music. In 1999 Chris accepted a position at the University Auckland, where he
founded Auckland Samba School. Chris was awarded his PhD in 2008 and continues to be
actively engaged as an arts researcher, composer, jazz pianist and teacher.​​​​​​​​​

​

As a composer Chris has written for combinations of brass, solo piano and voice as well as composing independent film, radio jingles and advertising. As a music educator Chris has written four musical theatre works for children and devised curriculum materials for the primary age range.

​

While performance has played a major part in Chris career, as a researcher in music education, Chris has published many journal articles and several books. Papers are available on the website as well as links to copyright material.