Biography of Gareth Roberts

Gareth is a jazz trombonist (currently based in Cardiff) who plays in a wide variety of different bands including his own award winning quintet for which he writes all the material himself.

Originally from Aberystwyth in Mid-Wales, most of Gareth´s early musical experiences came from playing Euphonium in Brass Bands. He later switched to the trombone after discovering jazz.

In 1997 Gareth graduated from Nottingham University with a degree in Civil Engineering before returning to Aberystwyth to take a PGCE (teacher training) course in Maths. A year later he moved to Cardiff and worked full time for 5 years as a maths teacher. A lack of sleep caused by too many late night gigs persuaded him to leave and take a Post-Graduate diploma in Jazz at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

During this time Gareth studied with (amongst others) Paula Gardiner, Steve Waterman and Keith Tippett, and had regular
trombone lessons with Mark Bassey at Trinity College, London.

At present, as well as working professionally as a trombone player Gareth is heavily involved with music education. He
teaches music part-time in a Welsh language comprehensive school in Cardiff, conducts two school jazz bands and is employed by the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to run music workshops for pupils of all ages.