After completing high school in 'The Sault', Alan left his home in Northern Ontario, to study music at the Toronto Conservatory, with reknowned classical guitarist, Norbet Kraft. After two years at the Conservatory, Alan returned, briefly, to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie, followed by a sojourn to the West Coast. It was at this time, however, in the young musicians life, that the pursuit of spiritual practice began to take a more dominant role. Having learned Transcendental Meditation some three years previously, Alan began to devote himself more deeply to this practice. Although Alan always remained faithful to his love of music, the next two decades of Alan's life were dedicated primarily to spiritual growth and understanding, in the tradition taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of Transcendental Meditation (TM). During this time, Alan spent time in India, the Philippians, the Netherlands, the UK, Washington D.C.; Fairfield, Iowa; Halifax, NS; Vancouver, Victoria, Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto and the Muskokas, in Ontario. Through his spiritual practice and study, Alan not only gained a rock-solid personal insight and spiritual foundation; but also became, himself, a teacher of TM, teaching many hundreds of people the practice of going within, to discover ultimate truth and unity.

In 1994, Alan left 'the movement' (as it is known) and settled in Victoria, BC. Although Alan continued his personal spiritual practice, his focus now widened to include more emphasis on his music. Throughout his travels and spiritual pursuits, Alan continued to play and compose; and his repertoire was vast. However, after so many years of introspection, his compositions and playing had acquired a definite grounding in subtlety and gracious nuance. By the time he moved to Salt Spring Island, in 1996, Alan's ability to compose pieces of profound beauty and soulful import had emerged as a quiet yet undeniable force. In 2002, Alan took a quantum leap forward and recorded his first album, The Spaces Between. Produced by Jordy Sharp, the 16-track CD included 13 original compositions, as well as three others by Francisco Tarrega, J.S. Bach and Mozart. Two years later, Alan followed up his first release with Errington Way, produced by Greg Pauker. The album included another 12 original compositions, as well as pieces by Alex Degrassi, Steve Howe, and Alan's long-time friend and fellow guitarist, Michael Yukich. Both albums received a small, but popular release, cementing the musician's popularity with music-lovers of every genre.

Over the last five years, Alan has performed many times, mostly, on Salt Spring Island. He continues to compose, and will soon begin recording his third CD. Alan lives on Salt Spring Island with his partner, Brandy.