Born in Kilmarnock Scotland in 1963. After initially studying with Sheila Laing and Stewart Forbes at school he continued his studies at Napier University Edinburgh with Sheila Cochrane,  and later with Sheena Gordon (Scottish Chamber Orchestra).

He has been fortunate to have attended and played in master classes with such players as  Wissam Boustany, David Nicolson, Lorna McGhee, Paul Edmond-Davis, Peter Lloyd, Ian Clarke and Sir James Galway.

Derek played professionally for many years and was founder member and played with "Zonda Flutes" an award winning flute trio based in Glasgow. He also played flute with "Glasgow Wind Band one of Europe’s premier symphonic wind orchestras, until re-locating to Australia in 2008.

Since moving to Australia Derek has quickly established himself as a popular music educator and flute teacher, he teaches in Sydney schools and is in demand as a flute tutor and ensemble coach. He is also guest conductor with various ensembles and has a private teaching studio in Lane Cove and also teaches at the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music

In 2010 Derek launched "Flute Connections" an organisation that provide professional flute workshops and events in NSW .  He also owns and runs Syrinx Music  a specialist flute and woodwind print music shop in Lane Cove.

Derek is an Associate of Trinity College of Music London and has a Diploma in Music from the Open University, he is also a bodyminded practitioner. Derek  is the NSW representative of the "British Flute Society”, and is a committee member of "The Flute Society of NSW. He also appeared in the Baz Lurhman movie the Great Gatsby.

 

"Derek Galloway is a terrific flute teacher and player, filled with creative energy and love for music and life in general. Derek is an enterprising and clever musician, also a lively, thoughtful and caring flute teacher.  Mr Galloway has proved to be an important figure in the nation's flute community."

 

Jane Rutter - International Soloist

 

Derek Plays on a Handmade Haynes Flute with a Lafin Headjoint