John Gormley has been a friend of the choir for a number of years, standing in for Mark as temporary conductor at rehearsals.   In September 2023, we were fortunate to welcome John as our rehearsal accompanist.

John is a graduate of the University of Glasgow, where he gained an MA (Music), MMus (Composition) and an MSc (Information Technology). He gained his PhD in Composition from the University of St Andrews in 2014 and he also holds a piano teaching diploma from Trinity College, London. Whilst a student at the University of Glasgow, he held both the Organ Studentship and the Organ Scholarship.

Since 2005, John has been a lecturer in Music Studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly RSAMD).  He teaches a range of topics, including music analysis, harmony and counterpoint, arranging and orchestration, aural perception, keyboard musicianship and data literacy.  He also gives occasional seminars in music analysis at the University of Glasgow School of Engineering and has previously taught for the Department of Music.

As a composer, John has had a number of pieces performed by Scottish Voices, as well as by other groups such as Cappella Nova, Glasgow University Chapel Choir, the Dunedin Consort, the choir of St Mary’s Cathedral, the Orchestra of Scottish Opera.

An experienced choral director, John has directed many choirs, including Glasgow University Chamber SIngers, the vocal-octet Sing Circle, the Eastwood Choral Society, Cathures, and the Edinburgh Singers. He has been organist and choirmaster at Sherbrooke Mosspark Parish Church (formerly Sherbrooke St Gilbert’s Parish Church) since 1998 and has also been assistant organist at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral (Glasgow).

When he finds a moment, he is also a keen Argentine Tango Dancer.