Gavan Quinn

An Ottawa native, Gavan began his music studies as a pianist, before delving into music composition and voice perfomance.  He holds credentials in all three subjects and has more than a decade of teaching experience.

After obtaining his A.R.C.T. diploma in piano performance, Gavan pursued a Bachelor of Music at the University of Toronto, where he studied composition with Gary Kulesha and piano with James Anagnoson.  While an undergraduate student Gavan discovered his own tenor voice which he zealously developed, soon becoming a professional member of the Elora Festival Singers and the Saint James' Cathedral Men and Boys Choir in Toronto. 

In 2006 Gavan received a full scholarship from the University of Ottawa to pursue a Master's degree in vocal performance, which he completed under the direction of professor Ingemar Korjus.  While a graduate student, Gavan performed principal roles in several opera productions and oratorios, gave full length recitals and performed in masterclasses with Russell Braun, Dalton Baldwin and David Lutz.  He also taught Vocal Performance Skills, an undergraduate course at the University of Ottawa.

A devoted teacher, Gavan completed a Bachelor of Education at the University of Ottawa and is a member of the Ontario Registered Music Teachers' Association.  Gavan also works for the Royal Conservatory of Music, as their representative for Eastern Ontario and Quebec.  In this role, he regularly presents workshops to teachers, students and parents throughout the region and is deeply involved in the most important new developments in music education within Canada and the US.

 

Gavan continues to be an active presence in the Ottawa music scene, both as a teacher and a performer.  He is currently the organist and director of music at Kitchissippi United Church, and maintains a busy teaching studio at his home in Ottawa.