Jonathan graduated with First Class Honours after 4 years studying Composition at the Royal Northern College of Music under the tutelage of Gary Carpenter, Paul Patterson, Emily Howard, Tom Scott and Adam Gorb, and during that time he had the opportunity to work alongside composers such as Harrison Birtwistle, Oliver Knussen, Mark Simpson and Simon Bainbridge in masterclass situations. Whilst studying at the RNCM, Jonathan had the opportuntiy to write for the BBC Singers and also won the college's prize for Big Band Composition in his 2nd year.