David Barton DipRSCM, DipMusComp(ICMA), DipVCM(Ed), CertGSMD(T), CertRSCM, CertHE(Wales), CertSocSci(OU), LNCM, AVCM(Hons), ANSCM

David was born in Winchester, Hampshire, England, in 1983, moving to Gloucester in 1987. Between 1995 and 2002, he attended the Crypt Grammar School in the city, following in the footsteps of some notable musicians including John Morehen (Professor of Music at the University of Nottingham), David Cripps (London Symphony Orchestra), Michael Hurd (Composer) and Roger Bigley (Assistant Head of Strings at the Royal Northern College of Music). The school had a long established musical tradition, affording him many opportunities for composition and performance. During that time, he studied organ with Paul Derrett (International Organ Recitalist), and flute with Janet Baldwin (Regency Sinfonia). He also studied voice with Phillip Colls (Alto Lay-Clerk in Gloucester Cathedral), and more recently, Lesley-Jane Rogers (International Recitalist and Opera Singer).

After leaving school, he has pursued a career in instrumental and vocal teaching, where he runs a thriving private practice in Gloucester. He was assistant organist at Quedgeley Methodist Church between 1998 and 2004, and at St. John’s Northgate Methodist Church since 2005.

He holds the Certificate in Instrumental and Vocal Teaching from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, the Associate diploma in Drama Production from the Victoria College of Music, the Diploma and Certificate in Sacred Music Studies from the Royal School of Church Music (in association with the University of Wales, Bangor), the Associate diploma of the Norwich School of Church Music, the Diploma in Music Composition from the ICMA, and the Licentiate diploma in Music Composition from the National College of Music.

Once a keen performer ‘on-stage’ David is now content viewing proceedings from the wings. He has been Musical Director for a number of productions, including Myriad of Colours (2007), Showcase (2006), The Distant Dream (2004), Showtime (2004), Snow White and the Severn Dwarfs (2004), Goldilocks and the Four Bears (2003), Spend a Little Time With Us (2002), and Bugsy Malone (2001).

He has also been involved in various guises with numerous other productions, including Guys and Dolls (2006), A Midsummer's Night Dream (2005), Crazy for You (2005), The Beggar's Opera (2004), The Little Shop of Horrors (2004), One Was Nude and One Wore Tails (2002), The Duchess of Malfi (2002), Rough Crossing (2001), Dr. Faustus (2001), The Pardoner's Tale (2000), Caliban's Story (2000), Flowers for Algernon (2000), Oliver! (1999), The Long and the Short and the Tall (1998), The Ghost Train (1996) and Terry's Tramp (1996).

His many compositions span a variety of genres, with pieces published in catalogues alongside such contemporary composers as Eleanor Daley, Paul Edwards, Antony Le Fleming, Bryan Kelly, and Carson Cooman.