He studied in Australia at the University of Newcastle Conservatorium from 2000 to 2004, majoring in composition with Nigel Butterley and piano with Carmel Lutton.
In October 2003 he was invited to the City of Hakodate, Japan where he performed a solo piano program of Messiaen, Butterley and Debussy.
In January 2006, Hamilton founded Northern Spirit,[1] a young vocal ensemble committed to contemporary choral music.
In just over three years, Northern Spirit has given over fifty concerts, premiered seventeen works, and taken part in four international choral festivals.
Several of his compositions, including "Under the Shadow of Kileys Hill" (2000) and "Priepriggie" (2009), have been commissioned by this choir and performed in many different countries.