Peter started to learn piano when he was ten. As a teenager, he was introduced to the ukelele and guitar, and he began exploring folk, pop and classical music.

In 1968 Peter gained an open scholarship to Oxford University to study English Literature. Together with fellow student Gerry Garcia (now a well-known composer and international performer), they spent many happy hours exploring all kinds of guitar music (when they probably should have been studying). In 1970 they set up the Oxford Guitar Society which is still flourishing today.

After taking his degree, Peter gained his qualifications as a school teacher and in 1973 took up a post as guitarist for Northampton Education Authority. It was there that he realised there was a great need for interesting and accessible pieces for beginners, and set about writing music specifically to meet that need. He illustrated the music pieces with his characteristic cartoons to make the early lessons more attractive. These pieces were eventually developed into the immensely popular beginner series "The Guitarist's Way" by Peter and his friend and fellow guitarist, John Whitworth. The books are distributed worldwide by Holley Music.

Peter continues to compose with the specific aim of encouraging students of all ages. His compositions include several volumes of solos, a series of duet and ensemble pieces and many pieces for guitar orchestra.