Alan was born in Redruth in 1961 and began learning to play the cornet at the age of five. He joined Carharrack and St Day Band and then moved to St Austell Town Band, competing in the National Finals with them. Alan also played in numerous solo contests throughout Cornwall and the South West with major success. In 1974 he joined Camborne Town Band, remaining there until 1977 when he joined the Army. Alan spent two years training at the Band of the RAC Junior Leaders Regiment in Bovington, Dorset, and was then posted to Germany with the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards Band. He later studied at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall under Professor Ian McKintosh, and was awarded the prestigious Cousins Memorial Parchment for exceptional proficiency on the cornet. He was principal cornet for six years and was also Commanding Officers' Trumpeter. This gave him the opportunity to travel the world and play at numerous prestigious occasions in front of the Royal Family and dignitaries.