Faculty

Ben Gaughran

Assistant Professor of Music; Director of Choral Activities

“Choral singing is one of the most joyful and meaningful ways to learn together. In choir, students discover how to listen, collaborate, and create beauty in community. My teaching focuses on connection and helping students grow as musicians while also developing the whole self: nurturing confidence, empathy, and creativity. Through exploring music from many cultures and traditions, students expand their horizons and deepen their love and respect for the human family, fostering both artistic growth and a sense of belonging. Together, we experience the joy of creating something greater than ourselves.”

Education

  • D.M.A. Choral Conducting, University of Michigan, 2025
  • M.M. Choral Conducting, University of Michigan, 2022
  • F.R.S.M. Choral Conducting, The Royal Schools of Music, 2019
  • M.A. Education, University of Nottingham, 2016
  • P.G.C.E. Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, 2014
  • B.Mus Music, Royal Holloway, University of London, 2013

Courses

  • Music Major: Choral Conducting, Choral Literature, Applied Voice, Applied Conducting
  • Choir: Chamber Singers, Men’s Chorus

Teaching Positions & Professional Experience

  • Joined Southern Virginia University faculty in 2025
  • Chorus Director, Lima Symphony Chorus, 2024–25
  • Graduate Instructor, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, University of Michigan, 2021–25
  • Conductor & Assistant Conductor, Michigan Youth Chamber Singers, University of Michigan, 2020–22
  • Music Teacher & Choir Director, St. Thomas More Catholic School, 2013–20
  • Music Director, The British Pageant, 2013, 2017
  • Artistic Director, University of London, 2012–13
  • Vocal Coach, Faith–The Musical, 2011

Scholarship & Creative Work

  • Clinician, South Lyon East High School, 2025
  • Conducting Fellow, Chorus America Conducting Academy, 2023
  • Lecture, “The Ballad of the Brown King,” by Margaret Bonds, 2023
  • Lecture, “The Oratorio de Noël,” op. 12 by Camille Saint-Saëns, 2022
  • Guest Choral Conductor, VIVACE Choral and Orchestra Camp, 2022–24
  • Conductor, Grosse Pointe Summer School Select Choir, 2021–22
  • Seminar Presenter, “The Transformative Power of Music,” 2019
  • Presenter, “The Choral Voice,” 2011
  • Presenter, “Choral Music Through the Ages,” 2010
  • Ongoing research and scholarship focussed in the choral music of Trinidad and Tobago

Awards, Leadership, & Service

  • Certified Choral Adjudicator, Virginia Music Educators Association, current
  • Repertoire & Resources Chair, World Music/Cultures, American Choral Directors Association Virginia Chapter, current
  • Adjudicator, Detroit Spirituals Festival Competition, April 2025
  • Finalist, The American Prize in Conducting–College/University Chorus Division, 2025
  • Nominee, Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor Award, 2025
  • Certified Adjudicator, Michigan School Vocal Music Association, 2023–25
  • Advisor to the University of Michigan Chapter of The American Choral Directors Association, 2023–24
  • Fellow, Chorus America Conducting Academy, 2023
  • Brehm Endowed Fellowship, Choral Conducting, University of Michigan, 2020–22

Memberships

  • American Choral Directors Association
  • Chorus America