Andy studied at Leeds College of Music, where he successfully completed a BA (hons) in Jazz Studies. After graduating, he worked on the freelance circuit for several years, performing for theatre shows, on cruise ships, with big bands and function bands and his own-led projects. In 2002 he joined HM Royal Marines Bands Service, serving until 2010. Soon after leaving the Royal Marines he successfully auditioned for RAF Music Services, and spent several years with the Central Band of the RAF and the RAF Squadronaires, for whom he was lead alto and Musical Director between 2015 -2020. He continues to lead his own groups, teaches saxophone and clarinet and freelances with a variety of bands and shows when time allows.