Services

Choral/orchestral conductor

Don is an experienced conductor, working with people of all ages and abilities. In addition to this, Don is passionate about conductor education and is available for conducting tuition and workshops.

After specialising in conducting at university, Don studied conducting with Jill Henderson-Wild, Manvinder Rattan and Imelda Shirley through Sing for Pleasure (SfP). He now teaches on both choral and orchestral conducting courses for SfP.

Click on the drop-down links for further information.

  • Don is happy to explore opportunities to guest conduct ensembles of all shapes and sizes for one-day events or longer-term projects.

    Use the contact form to enquire further and receive a bespoke quotation.

  • Don is happy to discuss bespoke training options with conductors.

    Use the contact form to arrange a time to discuss your needs.

    2025-26 Price list*

    • 30-minute conducting video review Zoom lesson (to include time to review the video before the session) - £50

    • One-hour conducting video review Zoom lesson (to include time to review the video before the session) - £85

    For in-person workshops, please see the ‘workshops’ section below.

    For in-person lessons, please get in touch with Don to discuss your requirements.

  • Don is happy to discuss bespoke training options for choirs, orchestras or other conducted ensembles, running workshops with the group and one or more conductors.

    Use the contact form to arrange a time to discuss your needs and receive a bespoke quotation.

Composer and arranger

Don is a published composer and arranger whose Jazz Missa Brevis and other works are published by Sing for Pleasure, while his pieces From East to West and If we shadows, alongside several hymns, are published with Choral Music Publishing, the publishing house he co-founded with fellow composer Oliver Tarney.

Don has capacity for choral commissions for 2025 and would be delighted to speak to anyone considering having a piece written.

Click on the drop-down links for further information.

  • Collaborating with Don Gillthorpe to commission a new piece provides your choir with a personalised musical experience, crafted to reflect your ensemble’s character and aspirations. Don’s extensive background includes both writing for and conducting choirs in amateur, educational and liturgical settings, ensuring pieces are thoughtfully composed to suit your choir’s needs and preferences. The commissioning process is a partnership, beginning with discussions that guide the music’s direction, whether regarding themes, structure, or text. As the composition takes shape, Don remains in close contact, resulting in a distinctive work that highlights your choir’s unique qualities.

    All commissions require a bespoke quotation; please get in touch to get the ball rolling.

  • With experience in writing for a wide variety of purposes, Don is well-equipped to create choral arrangements or orchestrations for concerts, educational settings, or liturgical use. His attention to detail and understanding of different settings ensure that each arrangement is tailored to fit your specific needs, bringing your musical vision to life while maintaining a high standard of quality and creativity.

    All arranging/orchestration projects require a bespoke quotation; please get in touch to get the ball rolling.

  • Don is happy to discuss bespoke training options with composers.

    Use the contact form to arrange a time to discuss your needs.

    2025-26 Price list*

    • 30-minute composition Zoom lesson (to include time to review submitted work before the session) - £50

    • One-hour composition Zoom lesson (to include time to review submitted work before the session) - £85

    For in-person lessons, please get in touch with Don to discuss your requirements.

Music education consultant

As a nationally recognised music educator, Don brings extensive experience from leading two highly successful state school music departments, where he built vibrant communities that placed music at the heart of school life. He also led a school-centred PGCE course and served as a Specialist Leader in Education and Lead Practitioner. After spending five years as an Assistant Headteacher, he now offers consultancy services for music departments, including comprehensive department reviews, curriculum planning, teacher mentoring, and support with controlled assessment moderation. Whether you’re looking to invigorate your music programme or streamline processes and procedures, Don’s expertise can provide the guidance you need. Don was President of the Music Teachers’ Association from 2021-2023.

Click on the drop-down links for further information.

  • Don offers comprehensive music department reviews, involving an in-depth visit to evaluate practices, curriculum, and co-curricular music provision. Following the review, Don provides a detailed report with actionable recommendations for development, tailored to the unique needs of each department. Additionally, he can assist in drafting Music Development Plans that align with the refreshed National Plan for Music Education, ensuring strategic growth and high-quality provision.

    Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a bespoke quotation.

  • With extensive experience in music curriculum design, Don supports departments in sequencing curriculum, crafting schemes of learning, and developing resources across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5. His guidance helps music departments build robust, engaging, and progressive music programmes.

    Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a bespoke quotation.

  • For music teachers and heads of department, Don provides mentoring based on coaching models that foster professional development and reflective practice. His mentoring service is designed to build confidence, enhance teaching strategies, and support department leaders in establishing strong, inspiring music programmes.

    2025-26 Price list*

    • 30-minute Zoom mentoring session - £40

    • One-hour Zoom mentoring session - £75

    For in-person sessions, please get in touch with Don to discuss your requirements.

  • Don offers specialised support in assessment moderation for performance and composition work at GCSE and A level. His expertise helps ensure that assessments are fair, consistent, and in line with exam-board requirements, supporting departments in delivering accurate, high-quality evaluations of pupils’ work.

    Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and receive a bespoke quotation.

Music engraver, editor and publisher

Don is an experienced music engraver and editor, having served as Head of Publications for the national choral charity, Sing for Pleasure, since 2010. In 2024, Don established Choral Music Publishing with fellow composer, Oliver Tarney.

Don can provide Sibelius typesetting services for projects using staff notation, including advanced techniques. Please do get in touch to discuss engraving/editing projects in detail so that Don can provide bespoke quotation for the work.

Click on the drop-down links for further information.

  • Don offers high-quality Sibelius typesetting services for projects using staff notation, including advanced techniques and detailed layout work. Whether you’re preparing scores for publication, performance, or educational use, Don’s expertise ensures that your music will be clear, accessible, and beautifully presented.

    Please get in touch to discuss your engraving needs, and Don will be happy to provide a bespoke quotation.

  • With many years of experience in editorial work for choral and instrumental music, Don provides meticulous music editing services to help composers and arrangers refine their scores. From proofreading for clarity and accuracy to ensuring notational consistency and stylistic coherence, his editing service guarantees that your music is polished and ready for performers.

    Reach out to discuss your project in detail and to receive a personalised quotation.