Early in Locke's musical career, as a chorister at Exeter Cathedral, he became familiar with Gibbons and possibly with Prince Charles. It is also thought that he spent time in the Netherlands with the royal forces returning to England in 1651. The dominant genres in which Locke composed, were masques and operas. This began only two years after his return to England and he worked hand in hand with Gibbons. Early works included "Cupid and Death" as well as "The Seige of Rhodes." Locke was organist to the Queen by 1662 and he continued to compose works for the stage. An influence upon the work of Purcell, Locke not only composed dramatic music, he also composed chamber music. Qualities of the latter included rhythmic variations, hearty and challenging melodic lines and harmonies, indicating the work of an excellent artisan. All forms of his music demonstrated his skill and aptitude. The best known works included "For His Majesty's Sagbutts and Cornetts" and "Melothesia" which he compiled and prefaced with the first English instructions on actualizing figured bass. ~ Keith Johnson, Rovi