Norman started learning the trumpet aged twelve after he purloined a trumpet that his elder brother had abandoned! Even at a young age, Norman wrote music for the school orchestra and ran the orchestra with a classmate whenever the teacher was unable to. He then joined the City of Southampton Youth Orchestra, City of Southampton Youth Choir and City of Southampton Youth Brass Band. At sixth-form college, Norman became an enthusiastic member of the barbershop chorus and continued to play in and write for the college orchestra.

Norman moved away to study music further where he played trumpet and tuba in the orchestra, played many kinds of renaissance period instruments, took composition lessons and learned to play the bassoon. On his return to Southampton, Norman ran the 'Coppertones' barbershop chorus and resumed composition with a series of local concerts, and started playing in pit orchestras for local light opera and shows. He founded a local church orchestra and took on the directorship of children’s orchestras and brass bands for Southampton Music Services.

He currently tends the St Mark's church choir and is a member of a community brass band. He plays various instruments in Sound Worship, writing arrangements and composition when required.