About Me

Hi, I’m Jarvis.

On this site I write about music, Aikido, software development, and where they overlap in my life. I hope over time this will become a portfolio where I can share interesting projects I’ve worked on, lessons learned, and solutions to vexing problems.

Work

I’m a freelance software developer based in Melbourne with decades of experience across a variety of languages, platforms, and industries.

I’ve worked on web applications in Java and Python; backend data processing with Java and Python; desktop applications in mixed C, Objective C, and Pascal; and embedded Linux applications in C.

I’m always interested in taking on projects where I have a chance to tackle interesting, difficult problems and provide lasting, reliable solutions.

Interested in working together? Contact me through LinkedIn or email me at jarvis@invalid.cochrane.com.au.

Music

Music is another thread in my life – alongside and sometimes intertwined with software development. I started playing guitar in my teens, took up bass in my twenties, and studied both at WAAPA.

I’ve played with a variety of bands and in pit orchestras for stage productions. More recently, I’ve taken up trumpet and cornet. I’m playing regularly with Western Brass, Box Hill Academy Brass, and my local church.

Martial Arts

In my early thirties, I started learning Ju Jitsu with Jan de Jong. I was fortunate to attend some of Shihan de Jong’s classes while he was still alive.

A few years ago I took up Aikido, and train regularly with Aiki Kai Victoria.

Faith

I grew up going – or sometimes being dragged along – to church with my grandparents. It was in my late teens, about the time I took up guitar, that I decided to follow Jesus for myself.

In the worlds of martial arts and music – probably most of life – lineage and association matter. Who were your teachers? Who do you train with? Which bands are you in?

One of my Aikido Senseis once said “you need to know who you’re following”. I think she said even more than she knew. To my mind there are many worthy teachers you might follow, but in all of history none better than Jesus of Nazareth.

Background

I’m a first generation Australian. My grandparents migrated from England in the 1950s with my mother and some of her brothers and sisters.

My early years were spent on my grandparents’ cattle farm in the jarrah forests of South West Western Australia. We started out off the grid long before it was a lifestyle flex!

I studied computer programming at TAFE, theology at Murdoch University, and music at WAAPA.

After my time at WAAPA, I returned to working with computers. I started doing tech support with AlphaWest. Through other roles and opportunities, I transitioned into software development.

Now

(Updated March, 2026)

Life is good. Full of opportunities and interest – almost too full, sometimes!

I’m working as a freelance software developer, building Cinnabar, learning trumpet and cornet, playing the most gigs I ever have, and training regularly at the dojo.

In the spare time (there is some!) I’m enjoying life with my lovely wife and our pretty noodle horse (rescue greyhound).