Born in Bournemouth, Hampshire, he was the son of an amateur artist, and was educated at Eton College and Oxford University (Exeter College). From 1894, he was director of the Royal College of Music, and from 1900, professor of music at Oxford University. His works include five symphonies and many works for chorus and orchestra including the ode Blest Pair of Sirens and the anthem I was glad. He collaborated with the poet Robert Bridges, and was responsible for the third volume of the Oxford History of Music (1907).