Barry Cockcroft studied the saxophone in Australia (under Peter Cinch), before going on to further studies in Bordeaux with Jacques Net, Marie- Bernadette Charrier, and Jean- Marie Londeix. He completed his training at the Banff Centre for the Arts (Canada), where he was funded by the Australian Council for the Arts.

He has performed with numerous orchestras, including most Australian orchestras, the Malaysian Philharmonic, the United States Navy Band, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (with which he premiered the works of the composer Matthew Orlovich). He has played chamber music with the pianist Adam Pinto and has recorded a number of albums with him. He has played at major events in many different countries, including the Melbourne Festival, the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, and the Brisbane Festival in Australia, and in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Canada, Thailand, and the United States. For many years, Barry Cockcroft has been working to develop the saxophone repertoire. He is a prolifi c composer of pieces for educational purposes and for professionals. He is associated with around 120 composers who have links to the Reed Music label and has been behind the publication of over 1,000 pieces over the last 18 years. His own compositions include modern saxophone techniques as well as contemporary rhythmic and sound structures. Barry Cockcroft is regularly consulted as a specialist in Australian music. He is also a member of the International Saxophone Committee; his membership was renewed during the World Saxophone Congress. He shares his knowledge in master classes given at Australian schools and universities.