Gerard studied the organ with John Webster, and was elected Organ Scholar at Lincoln College, Oxford. After further studies with Susi Jeans, he was the first organist to win the Stephen Arlen Memorial Award; this together with further grants – from the Martin Musical Foundation amongst others – enabled him to study for two years with Daniel Roth at Strasbourg Conservatoire in France, where he was awarded the Première Médaille in organ. On his return to the UK he spent a further postgraduate year in Cambridge, study- ing with Nicolas Kynaston. In 1987 he was appointed Associate Director of Music at All Souls Langham Place. During his time at All Souls he played regularly for BBC Radio 4’s Daily Service and Songs of Praise, and toured with the All Souls Orchestra, playing in many concert halls, including the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall and Moscow Conservatoire. His other musical work has included playing in West End Musicals, and musical arranging and composition.