McPherson, Gary | University of Illinois Archives

Gary McPherson is a trumpeter, conductor, and music educator who has worked extensively in Australia and the United States teaching research techniques, music psychology, performance science, and musicianship. He received his L.T.C.L. Licentiate in trumpet performance from Trinity College in London (1975); a F.T.C.L. Fellowship in trumpet performance from Trinity College in London (1976); a Diploma in Music Education from NSW State Conservatorium of Music (1977); a Master of Music Education from Indiana University (1982); and a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Sydney (1993). McPherson's research focuses on the development of musical competence drawing extensively from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, and educational pedagogy.

McPherson joined the University of Illinois' School of Music as the Marilyn Pflederer Zimmerman endowed chair in 2005 and served in position until 2009 when he accepted an appointment as the Ormond Professor and Head of the School of Music at the University of Melbourne. During his tenure at the University of Illinois he also served as a faculty representative on the University of Illinois Senate Committee on Educational Policy and the School of Music's Performance Studied and Activities Committee.