Richard started playing trumpet at the age of 11 under the guidance of Stephen Shimwell, and under his tuition, he quickly progressed into the South East Derbyshire Brass Band moving onto trombone at the age of 15. 

At this time, he also joined the Derbyshire County Youth Wind Band, winning the BASBWE conferences and European Wind Band Championships, alongside fellow Harlequin Brass trombonist Richard Dixon. 

Versatility is Richard's main strength and he is at home in any style of performance, from Jazz to Classical. Currently, Richard is the trombonist with the Nottingham Brass Quintet, an established chamber group in the Midlands.  He has also guested with many of the country’s leading Brass Bands, such as Fairey’s, Black Dyke, YBS, Grimethorpe and Reg Vardy.  Richard is also in demand for many of the Midlands theatre orchestras and Big Bands.