Chris Naughton began his musical training as a pianist at the Adele Franklin Studio in London, where he developed a strong grounding in classical technique and musicianship. He went on to continue his studies with Joseph Weingarten at the Royal Conservatoire in Birmingham, expanding his repertoire and deepening his engagement with performance, composition, and pedagogy. Alongside his formal studies, he cultivated an interest in improvisation and contemporary forms, laying early foundations for his later work across jazz and community-based music practices.

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After completing a postgraduate education qualification, Chris worked as a music teacher in London. During this period, he became known for developing innovative, multi-disciplinary performance arts curricula that integrated music with movement, theatre, and collaborative creative processes. His teaching philosophy emphasised participation, creativity, and accessibility, anticipating his later focus on community music. A subsequent sabbatical at the University of York allowed him to further explore intersections between music education, research, and socially engaged practice.

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Chris was later appointed Subject Chair in Music Education at the University of Exeter, where he played a key role in shaping music teacher education programmes. It was during his time at Exeter that he developed a sustained interest in the philosophy and practice of community music—particularly the ways in which collective music-making can foster social connection, cultural exchange, and inclusive forms of participation beyond formal institutions.

In 1999, Chris relocated to Aotearoa New Zealand to take up a position at the University of Auckland. There, he became a central figure in the development of community music initiatives, most notably founding the first community samba school in New Zealand. This work drew on Brazilian musical traditions while adapting them to local contexts, creating vibrant, participatory performance communities and contributing to the diversification of New Zealand’s musical landscape.

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Chris completed his PhD in 2008, consolidating his research into music education and community music practices. Since then, he has remained active as an arts researcher, composer, jazz pianist, and piano teacher. His work spans performance, pedagogy, and scholarship, with a particular emphasis on improvisation, collaborative creativity, and the social dimensions of music-making. Through both his academic and artistic contributions, Chris has played an important role in advancing community music in Aotearoa, mentoring students, and supporting the development of inclusive, practice-led approaches to music education.