Ed Hoad began playing the guitar in his early teens. He plays a variety of styles, today concentrating mainly on classical guitar. He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music with John Perrone, and privately with noted teacher Eli Kassener. In addition to the Cory-Hoad Duo, Ed is a member of the Bach Porch Trio (flute, cello, and guitar), an Oshawa area group. He lives in Port Hope, where he has a growing number of guitar students.

Ed used to play with Fred Cory in the Cory-Hoad Duo, playing flute and guitar duets at the Oasis Bar and Grill in Cobourg.