Voluntary 1 d-moll-D-Dur

John Alcock was born around 1740, to Margaret Alcock, née Beaumont (1711–1792), and John Alcock (1715–1806), himself a famous composer and organist.

He was born in Plymouth, Devon and baptised there on 28 January 1740. He learned to play the organ through his father's position as organist and master of the choristers at Lichfield Cathedral, working under him as a chorister.

By the age of twelve he was deputising for his father on occasion, his father apparently assured Alcock was already sufficiently skilled.

Alcock's first professional position was as organist and master of the song school at Newark-on-Trent parish church, 1758 to 1768.

In 1766, he accompanied his father to Oxford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music in 1773, while his father proceeded to a Doctor of Music.

In 1773, he became the organist of St Matthew's Church, Walsall, a position he maintained until his death.