hi, i’m gareth.
Hi, my name is Gareth and I’m the facilitator here at Synchronised Music Creation. Synchronised enables me to combine my passions of music creation and supporting young people.
music.
My own musical journey started at a young age, initially with acoustic guitar, lessons and grades, which were swiftly followed by an electric guitar, amplifier and no lessons or grades! My new instructors were Nirvana, Oasis and The Beatles! As the era of the superstar DJ came in I wanted in on the action and a set of turntables and bass heavy speakers were soon shaking my bedroom walls! With a foot in both rock and electronic music camps I enrolled in the School of Sound Recording where I obtained a diploma in audio engineering. Years of playing in bands, DJing, recording and audio engineering live performances have followed.
I teach guitar and music production in school and facilitate college holiday programmes in songwriting, DJing and rock band.
Constantly seeking to further my musical knowledge I have completed a course in music therapy.
supporting young people.
Having completed my tertiary education I joined the police where I specialised in working with youth, trying to effect better outcomes for young people who were starting to offend and get in trouble. This included running programmes aimed at engaging young people and their families as well as facilitating youth clubs.
After 14 years with the police I returned to study and undertook a degree majoring in Educational Psychology. Whilst studying I facilitated weekly social groups for young people with intellectual and physical disabilities and did one-to-one mentoring. Upon completion of my degree I worked as a classroom teacher at a specialist school for young people with challenging behaviour.
lived experience.
As a parent of a teenage boy with an intellectual disability I have lived experience and awareness of the many challenges that young people with disabilities and their families face. Whilst challenging, it has proven to be the most enriching and rewarding experience for our family. Without doubt music has played a significant role in our son’s well being both as a means of therapy and a source of enjoyment. I’m delighted to say that music is now his great passion as well.