John started playing trombone with Kirkintilloch Silver Band’s learners’ class at the age of seven but soon changed to cornet. He was promoted to the senior band at the age of 11 and played with the band for the next 18 years moving through the ranks from 3rd cornet to principal, winning the Terris Medal in the process. He also featured as a soloist with Dumbarton Schools Orchestra and Principal Trumpet with the National Wind Band of Scotland.

John went on to study at the RSAMD under David James for 4 years and won the Trumpet Prize (1976) and further gained DRSAM and Teaching Diploma from Jordanhill College of Education, Glasgow. Continuing his studies, he completed a post graduate year at the RCM under Bob Walton whilst freelancing with ensembles including the BBCSO, SNO, Scottish Ensemble and Scottish Opera.

During his playing career John has also tasted success with the Whitburn Band, Union Kinniel, Scottish Brewers and the Scottish Co-Operative Funeral-Care Band.

It was a natural progression from teacher to conductor and when John was appointed as the Brass Teacher at St David’s High School in Dalkeith he also took on the role of conductor at Dalkeith Burgh Band, winning the 4th Section Championship in 1984. Further conducting successes were with Cowdenbeath Public Band, Tullis Russel Mills and Penicuik Silver Band.

The St David’s High School Band was formed to allow John to further develop his pupils ensemble playing and under his leadership they went one to be Scottish Youth Champions at the first attempt and picked up various solo and quartet accolades. This led to an appearance on a youth brass band feature on Radio 2.

As pupils matured, the high school band developed into the community band, St. David's Brass. John also saw success in adult competitions, over-seeing St. Davids' promotion ultimately to the second section, winning two Scottish Championships in the process.

John continues to teach in the Midlothian area, leading St. David's, St. David's Budding Brass and St. David's Beginner's Brass, and tutors at both Stevenson College and Edinburgh Napier University.