Andy was born in Crewe, Cheshire in 1960 and at the age of 11 began to play the cornet with Winterley Methodist Band. He received tutoring from Charlie Cook, former Soprano Cornet player of Fodens Motor Works Band. Andy played in his first contest, aged 14, with Berisfords Band, conducted by Charlie Cook.

He played with Berisfords for 25 years. Half of that time was spent playing tenor horn, when the band was under the musical directorship of Granville Jennings, also a former Soprano Cornet player of Fodens Motor Works Band. During this period the band had great success competing in contests, rising to first section status. 

After leaving Berisfords, Andy took a brief break from banding, before being contacted by Kevin Birch, an old school friend. Kevin was the Musical Director of Audley Brass in Staffordshire and Andy joined the band playing cornet in 1994. He shared in the massive success of the band, which rose from unregistered to a second section band in six years. 

Whilst playing with Audley, Andy began his conducting career. He took over the baton at the Audley 96 Band during 1998. Audley 96 was a band in its own right, performing engagements, and a training band for Audley Brass. As conductor Andy taught and developed the band and players, some of whom are currently playing with Audley Brass and other bands in the area.