Garrison Gerard is an American composer of electroacoustic and concert music; his work explores intersections between ecology and music. Characterized by dramatic gestures and moments of arresting luminosity, his music is an exploration through intimate sound worlds. His work builds on multiple traditions spanning from spectralism, modernism, and minimalism as well as reaching back to the classical canon and renaissance music. Growing up in North Georgia, he sang in choir and played violin in orchestra, and the influence of the natural beauty of the area has had a lasting impact on his work.

His music has been presented internationally with performances by groups such as [Mod]ular Ensemble, Fort Worth Symphony, and Nu Atmospheres Ensemble. An ardent collaborator, he has been commissioned by ensembles and soloists such as Andrew Cook, Spencer Byrd, the Avenue C Project, Artelier Piano Quartet, and Amorsima String Trio. In 2024 Garrison served as Artist-in-Residence at Rocky Mountain National Park—he hosted multiple public events including soundwalks in the park. 

Gerard is currently engaging in research exploring the interaction between nature and music through acoustic ecology. He has carried out acoustic surveys tracking the impact of human noise on natural ecosystems in Patagonia, the Chihuahuan Desert, Denali National Park, Iceland, and other locations. In 2023, Gerard served as Fulbright Fellow with the University of Iceland where he carried out a year-long acoustic survey project tracking the impact of human noise on Iceland's national parks. Collaboration is central to his work; he has worked with multiple artists in the creation of experimental works and performance art pieces, including the choreographer Brianna Lee and the film make Michael Flanagan.

In addition to composition, Garrison is a conductor, pianist, trumpeter, improviser, and avid advocate for new music. He conducted the NOVA New Music Ensemble at the University of North Texas for 10 seasons, and was the Guest Director for the UNT Percussion Ensemble. Gerard performed as member of the UNT Free Improvisation ensemble on trumpet, piano, and electronic instruments. Working with contemporary composers is a particular focus for him, having conducted the premiere of more than 30 pieces by living composers. 

Garrison currently serves as Assistant Professor of Music at the University of North Carolina Pembroke. Gerard completed his Doctoral degree in Music Composition from the University of North Texas and received a Master's in Music Composition from UNT and a Bachelors in Piano from Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. His conducting mentors include David Itkin and Elizabeht McNutt. His composition teachers include Joseph Klein, Jon Nelson, Sungji Hong, Panayiotis Kokoras, Andrew May, Kirsten Broberg, and Jay Walls.