Malcolm Dedman was taught piano at an early age, but soon preferred to improvise. Although he later had formal violin and singing lessons, it was composition, arising out of improvising at the piano, that he was most interested in pursuing.

He had composition lessons with Patric Standford at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1974–75, but did not receive a formal qualification in music until 2005, when he passed his Masters Degree in Composing Concert Music at Thames Valley University with distinction.

Malcolm’s earlier writing reflected the developments in serialism, but within a modal context. Such works include the first Piano Sonata – Restoration of 1973 and the String Quartet of 1977–79. Although he is still attracted to the possibility of different types of modes, his style now has links with minimalism (although it is rarely strictly minimal) and other so-called post-modern idioms. The modal writing also aims to integrate music from different cultures.

He now has an extensive catalogue of self published works (Misty Mountain Music), dating from 1976, ranging from solo to choral and orchestral. These are available in Sibelius format and can be seen on the Score Exchange website.