Garwood Whaley is the President, Founder, and Senior Editor of Meredith Music. Gar received degrees from the Juilliard School–where he studied with Morris Goldenberg and Saul Goodman as a scholarship student–and, The Catholic University of America where he earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree while performing with the United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” He is conductor emeritus of the Bishop Ireton Symphonic Wind Ensemble in Alexandria, Virginia, former adjunct professor of music at The Catholic University of America, two-term past president of the Percussive Arts Society, former curriculum coordinator of instrumental music for the Diocese of Arlington Schools and president and founder of Meredith Music Publications. As director of Meredith Music, he has been responsible for the publication of some of the most exceptional performance and educational materials available today. More than 400 composers and authors are included in the Meredith catalog.
Gar wrote his first book in 1965 and since then has become one of the best known and best-selling writers of percussion method books of all time with more than 400,000 copies of his books sold worldwide. He is the author of two of the most popular music method books of the past two decades, Basics in Rhythm and Primary Handbook for Snare Drum and has written many other best sellers. In 1998, Bishop Ireton High School named its new performance hall the “Garwood Whaley Auditorium” in recognition of his long-term contributions to the school’s fine arts program. His charities, both personal and corporate—through Meredith Music Publications—have provided thousands of dollars to individuals and organizations that promote music and provide music education opportunities. He lives with his wife Adele in Delray Beach, Florida. Gar’s hobbies include scuba diving and working out at Crossfit Delray Beach.