Andrew Taylor started his musical training at the age of 7 as a chorister in his local parish church. His choirmaster, Gary Turner, along with his piano teacher, Anne Nunn, and the Director of Music at Reading Blue Coat School, Roger Johnson, were inspirational mentors during his early years. At Cardiff University, Andrew studied oboe with Sophia McKenna, played in all the major university ensembles, studied conducting with Huw Gareth Williams and conducted the University Chamber Orchestra. He graduated with a BMus (Hons) degree in July 2001 and was the recipient of the David Evans Memorial Prize. In 2002, Andrew returned to Reading and set up the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra (APO) with some like-minded friends. He was chairman of APO until 2005 and remains its music director. He made his debut with Tewkesbury Camerata in October 2015. He frequently plays oboe and cor anglais with local societies and is currently enjoying some guest appearances with Crowthorne Symphony Orchestra. Andrew is also a proud founder member of the baroque chamber group, the Extreme Crunchy Soloists. As committed promoter of contemporary music and young composers, Andrew has conducted the first performances of eleven APO Young Composers Award commissions. Andrew's is passionate about unlocking music's potential and particularly likes working as a coach for chamber ensembles and youth music organisations.