Richard began learning the Bassoon at the age of 11 with Merle Calderbank through Sandwell Youth Music. Following these studies, he gained a four year scholarship to study at the Birmingham Conservatoire in 2003. During his time at the Conservatoire, Richard studied under Maria Mealey, Margaret Cookhorn, Meyrick Alexander and Nick Hunka whilst undertaking masterclasses with John Orford and Gareth Newman. Richard was a three time finalist in the Sylvia Cleaver Chamber Music prize and was part of several Symphony Orchestra concerts. Whilst gaining a 2:1 BMus(Hons) degree, Richard was also part of the CBSO Youth Orchestra, and took part in the CBSO ‘Igor Fest’ in 2006. He continued studies at the Royal Northern College of Music the following year, gaining a PgDip in Performance in 2008, studying with Laurence Perkins and Stefano Canuti, reaching the final of the Woodwind Prize.
