Gregory Irvine, a native of Nova Scotia, was Principal Tubaist of the Hamilton (Ontario) Philharmonic Orchestra for eleven years. During that time he also performed with such ensembles as the Toronto Philharmonic, Toronto Pops, and CJRT Orchestras. He has performed extensively as a tuba soloist, and in chamber ensembles including the Royal Brass of the Hamilton Philharmonic, and the Aeolos Brass Quintet, which toured throughout Canada during the 1980s.

Dr. Irvine has studied his instrument with some of the finest and best-known tuba players in the world, including Charles Daellenbach of the Canadian Brass and the late Arnold Jacobs, legendary tuba player of the Chicago Symphony. His combined interest in performing and teaching led him to further study in these two areas at Northwestern University, from where he earned both Master's and Doctor of Music degrees.