Hey, I'm Gareth.
"How does a wee lad from Belfast end up teaching flute in Germany?"
You, like many others, are probably asking yourself this question right now, so let me have a go at telling that story.
Belfast
Like most Irish people, I picked up some kind of flute at about the same time I started walking and talking. My grandfather, Brian, used to teach flute part-time after getting home from the steel mill.
He showed me the ropes of a traditional Irish style of playing, which eventually led to an interest in Classical Music. At 14, I started getting some lessons with Colin Fleming of the Ulster Orchestra, as well as my uncle, Glen Houston.
By this point I'd caught the flute bug, and started auditioning to study full time at music college.
Cardiff
In a pinch me moment, I was accepted to study on the Bachelor programme at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. In Wales, I had the pleasure of studying with 2 former flutists of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales; Roger Armstrong and Eva Stewart.
After 4 years at RWCMD, I was awarded my Bachelor of Music with Honours degree in 2015.
Paris
After a flute lesson in summer 2015 with Paris Opera principal flutist Catherine Cantin, I was offered a very last minute spot to study a postgraduate degree at the École normale de musique de Paris.
During my 3 years in the French capital, I studied with both Catherine and my personal favourite flutist; Radio France Philharmonic Principal Magali Mosnier. In this time, I went head first into the famous school of French Flute playing, and loved every second of it.
Köln
Finally, after graduating from Paris, I relocated to the home of freelance orchestral playing; Germany.
Here I have opened the Gareth Houston Private Music Studio, whilst also working in various music academies and schools in North Rhine Westphalia.
My professional portfolio now includes symphonic guest appearances, solo concerts, chamber music, film scores and video game compositions.
Thanks for giving all that a read!
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