Paul’s interest in percussion started at an early age when he became a member of the Cheltenham Sea Cadet Corps Drum and Bugle Band. He went on to study at the Royal Academy of Music with the renowned James Blades.
After graduating, he freelanced with many of the London Orchestras and the joined Sadlers Wells Royal Ballet Orchestra in 1979. He then joined the BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra (since renamed the BBC Philharmonic) in 1981 and later was offered the position of Principal Percussion – a post he has now held for over 25 years.
Whilst at the BBC Philharmonic, Paul has worked closely with many of Britain’s great composers including Sir Peter Maxwell Davies and James MacMillan, and has collaborated with them to create many new percussive sounds for the 21st Century.
In addition to his busy schedule with the BBC, Paul is Head of Percussion at Chetham’s School of Music, operates his own percussion hire business and tutors at the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Manchester.
In 1987, Paul was made an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music for his services to British Music.
