Alan Loveday was born in Palmerston North in 1929 and made his debut when four years old. Lovedays musical talent was then known and in 1937 and 1938, a series of benefit concerts were arranged to raise the £1500 needed to send Alan to England. Alan left for England in 1939 to study under Albert Sammonds at the Royal College of Music. Alan made his English debut in 1946 and since has played in many countries around the world. In 1955, Alan was appointed Professor at the Royal College of Music.