 | Gareth
started his early education at Sacred Heart Primary School, Fenham,
Newcastle upon Tyne, where he was a keen violinist and singer, actively
participating in most of the school's masses and concerts. At the age
of six, he started teaching himself the piano, originally using a
two-octave two keyboard! Gareth continued his studies in piano, voice
and violin and St. Cuthberts High School, Newcastle upon Tyne, where he
studied the violin with Miss Stubbins. He regularly enjoyed both
singing as part of the school choir, and also appearing as soloist with
the school, which boasted a varied programme of sacred and secular
music.
In 1996, Gareth took up studies in the piano with Mrs June Hodgson, where he progressed to and was examined in the ABRSM Grades 1-8 Piano. During this time, he was also pianist with the drama group at the Venerable Bede Church in Benwell, who performed several pantomines, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He also appeared as the title role in Oliver at Walkerville Amateur Operatic Society, and participated in Newcastle Gang Show for several years. Through the 1st Tyne Sea Scout group, of which Gareth was a member, he participated, and later became Musical Director of the Christmas Entertainment there. He learnt the piano accordian with Warren Young, the group leader, which he played for summer camps and entertainments. Gareth studied Music at GCSE level at St. Cuthberts with Mrs Savage, where he performed both piano and violin. In sixth form, he studied A-Level Music at Sacred Heart High School with Miss Moore and Miss Walker, there continuing his performance studies and also developing compositional and conducting skills. He was First Assistant Musical Director in the schools joint sixth form production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. Gareth learnt the organ for the wedding of a family friend in summer of 2001, and has enjoyed playing ever since. In December 2002, Gareth became Organist at the Robert Stewart Memorial United Reformed Church, Fenham. After performing in both piano and organ at Newcastle Cathedral, he started giving piano recitals at the church in the summer of 2003, which were very well recieved. Gareth continues to perform classical piano recitals and concerts at Robert Stewart Memorial Church, and other selected venues around the region. Gareth attended the University of Manchester from 2003-2006, there studying his MusB(Hons) degree in Music, where he studied piano and was a member of the University Chorus. During the course, he went on to study chamber music, performing piano duets and trio ensembles, and in his final year, specialised in music for theatre and film. Currently, Gareth works in Newcastle and South Tyneside, where he teaches piano and voice. He accompanies exam candidates in a wide variety of musical genres and instruments, and enjoys a busy calendar of musical concerts, recitals and productions. Gareth is Musical Director for Blyth Valley and Derwentside Gang Show, and Deputy Musical Director to Newcastle Gang Show. With Walkerville Musical Society, Gareth is Musical Director, co-ordinating pantomimes, concerts and shows. |
