Sylvia studied the flute under Alison Farrant, and choral singing under Robin Page (currently Musical Director and Principal Conductor of Thames Sinfonia and the period instrument Purcell Orchestra in London), with whom she performed with the West Sussex Philharmonic Choir. She is recognised as an outstanding interpreter of Sussex folk songs and music.

Sylvia's Japanese mother introduced her to music as a small child and she finds it difficult to remember a time when she has not sung, or played whistles, recorders and flutes. She is grateful that she has always found it easy to remember tunes and words.

Peter studied the piano from the age of four. Before he was seven he had won several music festivals and competitions, and his knowledge of music theory had earned him a distinction at a Royal College of Music exam in London.

In his teenage years he started writing music for stage shows, and used the guitar for convenience. In his twenties he was commissioned to write the music for two musicals, which were performed in his then home town of suburban London, since when he has composed and arranged music for many genres, and is a long-time member of the Performing Rights Society.