In 1989 Lewin spent several months in Cairo to study Arabic violin under Ashraf al Sarki.
Lewin is a vocalist and plays fiddle, vielle, rebec, gittern, shawms, recorder, mandolin, pipe and tabor.
The combination of Giles Lewin, Andy Watts, Bill Badley and Jub dates from 1985.
Lewin joined up with Vivien Ellis, another member of the Dufay Collective and the Carnival Band to become the duo Alva in 1997, specialising in the music of the troubadours.
In 2008 Lewin released a solo album The Armchair Orienteer (PRKCD103), including a mix of traditional folk tunes and some original tracks.