Jonathan Ellis started learning the piano at the age of three. From the age of 11 onwards, he studied at Wells Cathedral School, and then moved on to the joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University. He achieved a first class degree from both institutions plus the PPRNCM diploma in solo piano, and has since attained postgraduate-level diplomas in accompaniment and chamber music, latterly studying with John Wilson.

During his time at college, he was to win many prizes as an accompanist, plus the RNCM's two major chamber music prizes with his trio, its annual Beethoven competition as a solo pianist, and subsequently the Audience Prize at the Intercollegiate Beethoven competition.

He currently performs regularly as a soloist, as chamber musician with The Ryebank Trio, as vocal and instrumental accompanist, and choral/operatic repetiteur.

Jonathan is a regular competitor in international piano competitions, besides making regular appearances for City of Manchester Opera, Bury Choral Society, the Pennine Spring Music Festival and the Buxton Festival Fringe, where he has been a double prize-winner in 2010-11. He has also recently taken part in the highly-acclaimed world premiere performance tour of Jonathan Dove’s new opera Mansfield Park, performed by Heritage Opera.