Burgon was born in Hampshire in 1941, and taught himself the trumpet in order to join a jazz band at school (Pewley Grammar School, Guildford). He entered the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with the intention of becoming a trumpet player. However, he found that he was more interested in composition. Burgon initially supported himself and his family as a freelance jazz trumpeter, until at the age of 30 he sold all his trumpets and devoted himself to composing. Read more on Last.fm