Ashley started his studies on the piano at the age of 3 years old and the sax when he was 13. By the age of 18 he had completed his grade 8 Associated Board Exams in both instruments, with a high distinction in both.

At the age of 17 he was then accepted into the world renowned music school, Chethams School of Music, where he studied both jazz and classical music, having the opportunity to play with many great jazz musicians such as Johnny Dankworth and Peter King​

After his studies at Chethams, Ashley was then accepted into the Paul McCartney school, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts where he mainly focused on studying jazz. Here he was taught by another great saxophonist, Ian Dixon, who has toured with the likes of Micheal Brecker and Sting.