Richard studied at the University of Wales, Bangor for five years and, as part of his Master of Arts degree, undertook research into the William Shaw Silver State Trumpets housed in the Jewel House, at the Tower of London. Richard also pursued two years study at the Royal Academy of Music under John Wallace, David Staff, Jeremy West and Ray Allen, and has recently completed a further year of study with Bruce Dickey at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Switzerland.

For some time Richard has been interested in the performance practise of historical instruments and has studied the natural trumpet, keyed bugle, slide trumpet, cornett and, believe it or not, the bagpipes. Subsequent to studying these instruments Richard has gone on to perform and tour with a wide variety of ensembles including The Wallace Collection, King’s Consort, Florilegium, Concerto Polacco, London Pro Arte Baroque, Counterpoint etc.

In addition to directing QuintEssential, Richard is currently a member of the Holbein Consort (ensemble in residence at Hampton Court Palace), is involved with the music for the Globe Theatre and regularly gives educational workshops dealing with music & history.