Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Neil started playing cornet at the age of 7 in local brass band, Downshire Brass. A few years later he moved onto the trumpet, eager to expand his growing passion for music and exploration of different genres within various ensembles. 

​

Neil graduated from The University at Newcastle upon-Tyne with a BA (Hons) in Music, majoring in Performance Studies. After graduating he then went to play in the Theatre Bands onboard cruise ships for P&O Cruises.

​

He has been fortunate to have studied with the likes of Mike Lovatt, Richard Martin, Paul Young, Martin Shaw, Bobby Shew, Greg Spence and Tim Garland.

​

Neil works as a freelance Trumpet Player, Educator, Arranger and Musical Director in around the South Coast of England. Equally at home with most genres of music ranging from Pop, Jazz, Classical, Funk, Rock 'n Roll, he is regularly seen playing with various artists, ensembles, touring shows, big bands and orchestras. He also works as a peripatetic teacher around Hampshire. 

​

He has been fortunate enough to have performed or recorded with artists such as:

​

Sam Ryder, Michael Kiwanuka, Matt Terry, Omar, Debra Stephenson, Samantha

Harvey, Joe McElderry, Zoe Tyler, Darren Day, Will Martin, Brian Conley.

As well as Jazz Artists Julian Argüelles, Steve Fishwick, Gwilym Simcock,

Ivor Neame, Elaine Delmar, Elenor Keenan, Alan Barnes and Gilad Atzmon. 

​

He has also played for many ensembles and touring shows such as:

​

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, "Annie" The Musical, Magic of Motown, Shed7, QDos Pantomimes, Band of Skulls, Symphonica feat. DJ Switch, Jimmy James & The Vagabonds, The Crooners Show, The Squadronaires Big Band, Memphis Belle Swing Orchestra, Talon - Best of the Eagles, The Glen Miller Tribute Orchestra UK, Ephemerals, Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular, Saints Brass, The Jonny Cash Roadshow, The Mini Big Band and The European Youth Brass Band.