Duncan Gardiner is a classical guitarist, composer, researcher, and educator who has emerged as an innovative musician with expertise in many fields. Having released four studio albums, published a book of original compositions and scholarly literature, and toured internationally, Duncan has been described as ‘exceedingly talented” (Julian Day, ABC Classic) and as ‘an excellent ambassador for the classical guitar” (North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society). Their playing has been described by audiences as ‘delicate, serene and magical”, while compositions ‘reveal evidence of a real creative gift… whether lulling or emphatic, they delight the ear” (Neville Cohn, The West). Duncan was honoured to be included in Ron K. Payne’s publication The Twang Dynasty (Boss Publishing, 2012), a history of notable Australian performers.
Duncan has completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree, under the guidance of internationally renowned guitarist Karin Schaupp, at the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University (QCGU). Duncan’s research on guitar activities in colonial Queensland led to the formation of the Enoggera Ensemble, a quartet comprising guitars (Duncan Gardiner and Dominic Ward), mandolin (Marissa Carroll), and banjo (Joel Woods), which is dedicated to the revival and reinterpretation of historical works that were once performed by plucked string ensembles in Queensland. Duncan also holds a First Class Honours degree from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), and a Licentiate of Music Diploma from the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). Duncan received the Award for Excellence in the Research Thesis (QCGU), was the 2017 Guitar Prize (QCGU), the Helen Court Scholarship and the Faculty Medal (WAAPA), and the J.B. Vincent Memorial Prize (AMEB).
Duncan is thrilled to be able to encourage the next generation of young guitarists through teaching classical guitar privately and in schools. They offer individual instruction, group classes, and run large guitar ensembles. Duncan has also recently been appointed as an examiner for the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB). Duncan is a regular guest mentor and ensemble coach, and has been invited to give masterclasses and workshops at a number of schools, including Loreto College, Lourdes Hill College, Ormiston College, and St Rita’s College, to name just a few. They are also sought after as an adjudicator for music festivals and eisteddfodau, such as the Fremantle Eisteddfod and the Catholic Schools and Colleges Music Festival.