Born in Guernsey, Oliver began learning the oboe at the age of nine.
He went on to study at the Royal College of Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) First Class.
As an RCM John Nickson Scholar he achieved a Master of Orchestral Performance with Distinction and was awarded the Evelyn Rothwell Oboe Prize. In his final year he was the winner of the Philharmonia Orchestra Martin Musical Scholarship for an outstanding woodwind player resulting in a solo recital at the Royal Festival Hall.
Whilst studying at the RCM Oliver discovered his natural ability for reed making. After graduating, he began making reeds for a number of UK oboists and now supplies his reeds to many of the world's leading orchestral players. Oliver teaches oboe reed making at the Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and Royal Welsh College of Music.
Alongside teaching, Oliver enjoys working as a freelance oboist and has played as a guest with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra.