Andy was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and lived there until the age of 10, when the family moved to Vancouver, B.C. He began his early involvement in music as a teenager when he began to teach flute privately. He soon expanded his interest to the Kitsilano Boys Band in Vancouver, where he joined the band in Europe. At the same time he became an occasional soloist in the Vancouver Youth Orchestra. Further study led to a completion of a Bachelor of Music degree at UBC. He also played with the Vancouver Symphony and the Vancouver CBC Chamber Orchestra. His musical interests also led to his appointment as a music specialist in West Vancouver school programs.
After moving to Terrace B.C. Andy worked in high school band programs for a number of years and continued private teaching as well. He then studied to become a certified accountant (CGA) and worked in that field for 16 years. While in Terrace Andy participated in the Prince George Symphony and also sang in the Northwest Singers, under the direction of his wife Marilyn.
After retirement, Andy and his wife moved to Vernon B.C. Here his musical involvements have included singing in Aura Chamber Choir and playing in various musical ensembles, including a collaboration with guitarist Glen Goerzen called "Duo Accord."