Bio and Resume

Hi, I’m Gary, Owner and Principal Pianist at Gary Forbes Music.

I’ve been a musician all my life.

Throughout the years, I’ve been a coach, performer, music director, and instructor at the pre- and post-secondary levels.

Though I specialize in chamber music and art song, I have a broad background that includes all aspects of collaborative performance.

Now, I aim to bring all my musical interests and services together through Gary Forbes Music.

Church organist, pianist, conductor, and accompanist for services and sponsored concerts. Musical director and choir leader.

Selection and preparation of all music (preludes, postludes, hymns, motets, choral liturgy)
Hiring and managing professional vocal section leads for church choir
Collaborating with ministerial and administrative leadership

Accompanist to the Brock University choir, vocal and instrumental studios.

Organized and scheduled students
Identified, communicated and fixed issues of rhythm, pitch, tone quality and tone production using the Alexander technique
Worked with students to encourage good musicality appropriate to specific performance practice

Accompanist to MCC’s Main and Chamber Choirs for all rehearsals, relevant concerts, and fundraisers throughout the performance calendar.

Organist, pianist, and accompanist for church services.

Prepared and performed prelude, offertory, postludes, and hymns for church services
Accompanied choir, and guest soloists for performances and concerts

Taught students of all ages piano and music theory
Prepared students to participate in RCM exams, studio recitals, and masterclasses

Taught students of all ages piano, trumpet, organ, voice, and theory
Prepared students to participate in RCM Exams, local music competitions, and community events
Provided piano accompaniment for vocal and instrumental studios
Provided coaching for exams, festivals, and university auditions

Instrumental Music Teacher for grades 6, 7, 8, and 9

Prepared lesson plans based on Ontario’s curriculum
Taught music to classes of 20 to 25 students
Prepared handouts and worksheets to teach the basics of theory, harmony, composition and history
Organized performance opportunities for students
Prepared report cards

Music Director/Pianist for stage productions.

Music Director/Pianist for stages productions.

Piano Trio Workshop, Orford Musique, Under the guidance of Gryphon Trio

Master of Music (Collaborative Piano), University of Toronto

Chamber Music Workshop, Tuckamore Festival, Under the Guidance of Duo Concertante

Bachelor of Music, Brock University