He received his early education at Dr. Ogden's school and learned music from Hartley, organist of Rochdale.
He went afterwards to Manchester to Dr. Parnell's school, and while there he was much struck by the organ-playing of Robert Wainwright, organist of the collegiate church.
In March 1776 he obtained the more lucrative post of commissioner of the Victualling Office through the same interest, and in the same year became conductor to the Concerts of Ancient Music, which had just been started.
In 1783, in conjunction with Lord Fitzwilliam and Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn, he set on foot the Handel Commemoration, which took place in Westminster Abbey in May and June 1784.
He subsequently invested all his own and his wife's fortune in the unfortunate project of the Albion Mills, and when these were burnt in 1791, he was nearly ruined.
The vexation and trouble resulting from this mischance brought on (says Burney) a complaint in his chest which finally proved fatal.