He was a composer, pianist, lecturer, radio broadcaster, and conductor. He was particularly interested in avant-garde and Asian music.
He studied piano, harp, clarinet, and music theory at the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Australian National University in 1996 for services to the community.
He was a Member of the Music Board of Australia Council from 1979 to 1982.
He was a Member of the Australian UNESCO Committee for the Arts from 1973 to 1975.
He was appointed to the University of Adelaide in Adelaide, South Australia from 1969 to 1987. He was a Trustee of the Adelaide Festival Centre from 1971 to 1978.
He was a member since 1954 of the Australasian Performing Right Association Limited. He was non-executive writer and director from 1986.
He was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the 1971 Queen's Honours List for his services to music.
He was awarded the AM (Member of the Order of Australia) in the 1985 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Music.