Having played in Wind Bands and Orchestras as a teenager, Duncan studied at Leeds College of Music, gaining a Bachelor of Performing Arts in Clarinet and Composition. Developing a love of Jazz, he learnt jazz harmony, piano and arranging, writing for Big Band and learning improvisation. He has been a professional clarinetist/jazz pianist for over 20 years and is an experienced Wind Band/Big Band composer/arranger.

Duncan has a LRSM in conducting, a second degree (BMus) and is a published composer with music on the Trinity College syllabus.