Paul first picked up a trombone at the age of 10 after a couple of unsuccessful weeks with a trumpet. After 5 years of playing infrequently for small school groups, he was invited to a rehearsal with Youth Brass 2000 by a school friend. It was this and starting with new teacher Jonathon Lloyd, former principal trombone of the NYO, that changed his mind from thinking of giving up to thinking of trying to be successful.

Starting on bass trombone Paul's first competition with the band was the final of the BBC Radio 2 Youth Brass Band of the Year competition which the band won, largely thanks to an inspiring trombone solo by the band's then principal Matt Gee playing DL Blues. Shortly after Paul soon moved to second trombone and helped the band to win the National Entertainment Championships at Blackpool's Wintergardens.Since then Paul has moved up to principal trombone and enjoyed success at the French Open Championships for 2 years running.

Paul moved to the Trafford area in August 2003, and joined Flixton as 2nd trombone soon after.