Biography

Born on Long Island, New York, Gerard progressed through parochial and catholic schooling in Hicksville where he excelled at both sports and music. He attended New York University's School of Education where he received his Bachelors of Music with a concentration in Technology and Education. While at NYU, he started working as a sound engineer for live events both within the university and in venues around Manhattan. He quickly found his niche within the World Music circuit, working in such venues as Town Hall, Symphony Space, Prospect Park Sumer Stage and BAM. While working live events, he moonlighted as a sound designer for cable television and independent film post-productions.

After ten years working in the field of sound design, Gerard took a hiatus and attempted to move to Cologne, Germany. After approximately 4 months with little work, he decided to return to New York and change careers. He was hired as the Production Coordinator for the distance learning division of Columbia University's School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. After a short time he transferred to the Columbia Center for New Media Teaching and Learning, where he became a digital media specialist. As of 2010, Gerard has been working with the Center for more than 10 years accumulating a vast portfolio of projects and web initiatives in which he has been involved.

While working at Columbia University, Gerard has also been actively pursuing his academic aspirations. He graduated in 2006 with his Masters of Arts in Anthropology, studying with briliant academicians such as Michael Taussig, John Broughton and Paul Kockelman. His thesis research was focused on the transmission of oral traditions in the age of digital technology, specifically the transformation of the culture found within Irish traditional music. He is currently working towards his Masters in Education at Teachers College with an expected graduation of May 2011.