Phil's brass playing career started at the age of six when he began to play trumpet. He joined Trimdon Concert Brass on cornet but quickly switched to baritone, a position he held until 2001 when he came to Newcastle University to study music.

Phil joined the Felling Band in 2001 on 2nd Euphonium playing next to Jason Smith the Band's then Principal Euphonium who Phil say's taught him a great deal about Band playing and had a great impact on his development. On Jason's departure, Phil progressed to Solo Euphonium just in time for the 2005 Regional Championships.

Away from banding, Phil is a talented pianist and composer. He gained a Distinction in his Music masters degree in composition following on from a 1st class honours acheived in his music degree.

Phil has now embraced working life and is a full time lecturer at Newcastle College, a piano tutor at the Northern School of Music, course leader at Prudhoe Community College and is also a private piano tutor in and around the Newcastle area. He also performs two resident gigs per week as part of a duo in 'The Living Room' in Newcastle.

Phil is a keen composer and whilst at university had performances of his works performed by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at the Sage and some of his chamber music performed by The Northern Sinfonia. In 2005 Phil entered a young composers competition organised by The North of England Regional Brass Band Trust and was very pleased that his comosition was awarded 2nd prize overall and was premiered by Tavistock Chester le Street Riverside Band.