A native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Gareth McLearnon moved to London in 1999 to attend the Guildhall School of Music & Drama where he studied with Ian Clarke, Samuel Coles, Sarah Newbold and Averil Williams. On completion of his undergraduate studies, he studied with Michael Cox and Samuel Coles for a year of postgraduate study. Following this he won a place as one of two principal flutes in Southbank Sinfonia for their 2005 season. Gareth is an active arranger of music, and his collection “Round Ireland with a Flute” and debut album “Sounds of Home” were launched in the USA in August 2008 where he performed at the National Flute Association convention in Kansas City, Missouri. A recipient of many awards, Gareth has given recitals, concerto performances and masterclasses all over the UK, and in the USA, Asia and Continental Europe. A versatile musician, playing many ethnic whistles and pipes, Gareth frequently performs in London West-End shows, and regularly works with the children’s flute playing charity Flutewise, teaching on their residential courses, and conducting their flute choir. Gareth is a Pearl Flutes International Artist and is fortunate enough to play on a custom made 14K Gold Pearl Flute with a 14K Gold headjoint by Dana Sheridan. He plays traditional handmade blackwood whistles by William Simmons.