Born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1949, John’s earliest musical training was in piano. He attended Duke University (B.A 1971) and the recently established California Institute of the Arts (M.F.A 1973). His primary teacher at CalArts was composer Mel Powell.

John's formal training was completed at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he studied with Morton Feldman. Holder of the first Edgard Varèse Fellowship, he received his Ph.D. in 1979. Since that time John has pursued an independent creative path, finding inspiration in the wonder of nature and in what he learns from the world’s sacred traditions. He has composed a broad range of works for orchestra, solo instruments, vocal ensembles and chamber groups.

Organizations that have commissioned works include Eight Strings & a Whistle, and Atlantic Sinfonietta (New York), Monday Evening Concerts (Los Angeles), the Enid Symphony Orchestra (Oklahoma), Resinosa Ensemble, Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra and Songs From Here (Maine).

An accomplished pianist and conductor, John is experienced in collaborating with performers to create and present new works. He has participated in a number of premiere performances, including the solo part in his Concerto for Piano and Orchestra. John was the founding director of Quoddy Voices, a choral ensemble based in Eastport, Maine.

John currently maintains a private teaching studio and is on the faculty of the SummerKeys adult music program in Lubec, Maine. He and his wife divide their time between down east Maine and the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts.