Andy began playing cornet at the age of 9 with the Horden Colliery band in his native North East. His early inspiration for playing came from the band's annual concerts with Grimethorpe soloists Alan Morrison and Bryan Smith.

After playing principal cornet from the age of 14 he moved to Huddersfield to study for a BMus (Hons) degree and received cornet lessons from Phillip McCann. During his time at university, Andy played with the Hepworth band, again progressing to the principal cornet chair. Upon successfully completing his studies, he moved home to begin a teaching career whilst joining the front row of the Ever Ready band.

In 2004, after a successful spell as principal cornet with the BHK band, Andy joined the Black Dyke band on repiano, going on the win the Europeans and two British Open contests.

After swapping cornet for flugel in 2007, Andy fulfilled his early ambition to join the Grimethorpe band as their flugel soloist. Still living in Durham, Andy works as a music teacher for Newcastle music service.