Gareth McLearnon is a native of Belfast, Northern Ireland, and a former student of the legendary Billy Dunwoody MBE and the Ulster Orchestra's principal flute Colin Fleming. He 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 Flute Specialist and Artist in Residence for Pearl Music Europe, and is a Pearl Flutes International Artist.