Piano and violin -

Studied both as a child.

Double bass -

At fifteen years played in Edith Hill Adams' Hawaiian Ensemble on CFPL radio and on tour in southern Ontario.

Clarinet and Saxophone -

At sixteen years wrote arrangements for his own swing band; played in resorts on Lake Huron and in Southern Ontario for five years.

During World War II spent two years as a bandsman with the Canadian navy, in Signal School and on the aircraft carrier "Warrior".

In 1944 played at the historic Quebec Conference, hosted by Canada, where Prime Minister Churchill and President Roosevelt met.

After the war arranged for and played in various swing bands around southern Ontario.

Formed his own swing band in 1947; played regularly on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) for "Saturday Night Dancing Party".

Staff arranger for productions on CFPL radio and CBC; the "Don Harding Show" was one of these, a weekly program featuring the Neil McKay Octet.

             (excerpt from the Don Harding Show )

Clarinetist with the London, Ontario Civic Symphony.

Oboe -

Oboist with the Duluth Symphony.

Koto -

Performed his own compositions in chamber music programs in Hawai'i.

Continues to arrange for various groups, from small jazz ensembles to symphony orchestra.