Center was born in Aberdeen where he studied piano under Julian Rosetti and organ under Willan Swainson.
[3] From then onwards his works began to be regularly broadcast by the BBC, particularly in their Modern Scottish Composers series.
Center composed a symphony, the symphonic poem The Coming of Cuchulain, works for string orchestra, three string quartets, the cantata Dona Nobis Pacem (along with other choral pieces), and piano works including sets of Preludes, a Sonata and a Suite.
In May 1979, Thurso Choral Society performed the Contata and the Scottish Baroque Ensemble played Lacrimae in Aberdeen.
[5] In 2013 Toccata Classics initiated a survey of his instrumental and chamber music: the third disc was released in 2024.