Richard was a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral and began composing at a young age. Guided by the Cheltenham-based composer Tony Hewitt-Jones whilst he was still at school, he later went on to study music in London, receiving his South Bank debut with 8 'til Late (8 hands on 2 pianos) performed at the South Bank Centre in 2001 by Piano 40. The work was later released on CD by Regent Records and his multi-hand piano works have been performed in the United States, Europe and Asia. His sacred choral works have been included as part of the London Festival of Contemporary Church Music and his secular work Colour Poems, was commissioned and performed by the Cheltenham Bach Choir to mark their 60th birthday. Other choral works include his Missa Brevis (now published by Banks Music Publications, Annunciation and Hostias et Preces to name a few.