William was born in Frankfurt, Germany and lived there for thirteen years before moving to England. Though he maintained a keen interest in music from an early age, his passion for the subject was piqued upon hearing a recording of Dvorák's Seventh Symphony when he was fifteen years old.

William read Music at King's College, London, and received his Bachelor's degree with first-class honours in July 2005. This was followed by a Master of Philosophy in Musicology at Girton College, Cambridge, conferred in November 2006. His master's thesis focused on elements of the grotesque within Dvorák's symphonic poems opp. 107-110.

An avid performer, William was conductor of the KCL Student Union Wind Band in 2004-5, and has studied conducting with Peter Stark. He is currently Musical Director of the University of Cambridge Concert Band. While pursuing his undergraduate degree, he studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music with Michael Young and Aaron Shorr, having previously gained performance diplomas from both the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the London College of Music while under the tutelage of Kate Elmitt. He also plays 'cello and soprano saxophone, and has recently begun experimenting with the tenor banjo!

William is currently taking a couple of years' respite from university life. He teaches music part-time at a secondary school while also pursuing his interests in conducting, journalism, and instrumental performing.