About Benjamin

Dr. Benjamin Gaughran’s (pronounced [gɔk-rən] / ‘gohk-ran’) musical journey is as dynamic and diverse as his heritage. Born in the United Kingdom with ancestral roots in Trinidad and Tobago, he has always been driven by a deep passion for choral music and a desire to foster inclusivity and excellence through music.

Benjamin’s path into music began at the piano, where he accompanied choirs and musical theatre productions while also performing as a soloist. His love for singing soon blossomed, and under the guidance of British opera singer Margaret Preece and former BBC Singers member Graham Titus, he honed his vocal skills in both classical and musical theatre settings. It wasn’t long before he found himself on stage as Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and as The Artful Dodger in Oliver! His voice also carried him to renowned ensembles such as The Washington Chorus, The City of Birmingham Choir, and The Royal Holloway Chorus.

“Warm…Humorous…Creative…”

Benjamin’s academic journey in music took him to The Royal Holloway, University of London, where he earned his Bachelor of Music (BMus) and began his formal work and study as a choral conductor. Under the mentorship of Rupert Gough, Benjamin was entrusted with leadership roles, including serving as the first student conductor of the Royal Holloway Founder’s Choir and leading the Early Music Ensemble and Singers. This formative experience sparked his lifelong dedication to choral music and leadership.

Over the years, Benjamin’s career has taken him across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States. He has conducted college and community choirs, led musical theatre productions, and worked alongside some of the most respected conductors in both the UK and the US, including Amy Bebbington, Manvinder Rattan, Sarah Tenant-Flowers, Eugene Rogers, André Thomas, and Kenneth Keisler. His love for conducting is matched only by his dedication to music education, having served as a teacher, mentor, and leader at various institutions.

“Innovative…Dynamic…Passionate…”

While music has always been his professional focus, Benjamin’s personal connection to faith and community runs deep. For nearly two decades, he has served as a church musician across multiple denominations, from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Catholic and Congregational traditions. His current role as Director of Music at First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor follows a rewarding tenure as Minister of Music at First Congregational Church of Chelsea.

Conductor. Educator. Artist. 

Benjamin’s role as a conductor and choral scholar has led him to the University of Michigan (U-M), where he has held multiple positions, including Music Director of Out of the Blue (U-M’s prison outreach choir), Assistant Conductor of the University Choir and Chamber Choir, and Opera Chorus Master in the Voice & Opera Department. He has also been the conductor of the U-M Arts Chorale and Women’s Glee Club, and in 2025, was nominated as an Outstanding Graduate Student Instructor in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. Today, he serves as Associate Conductor of The Orpheus Singers, Assistant Conductor of the U-M Men’s Glee Club, and Co-Conductor of the University Choir.

Benjamin’s commitment to choral music education extends beyond his work at U-M. In England, he led the music department and choirs at St. Thomas Moore School in London. After moving to the United States, he became the Conductor of the Michigan Youth Chamber Singers and frequently works as a guest conductor and clinician. He is also a sought-after adjudicator for the Michigan Schools Vocal Music Association and collaborates with school choirs across Michigan.

In 2025, Benjamin will embark on a new chapter as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Southern Virginia University, a role he is excited to begin in the autumn.

Community is at the heart of Benjamin’s philosophy, and he is passionate about fostering a space where all singers, regardless of background, can thrive. He currently serves as the Music Director of the Women’s Chamber Chorus in Ann Arbor and Interim Director of Voices Valiant. For the 2024–2025 season, he is also the Lima Symphony Orchestra Chorus Director.

Benjamin’s accolades speak to his dedication and skill: he is a Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music (FRSM) in Choral Conducting, a distinction held by a select few musicians worldwide. He holds a Master of Music (MMus) in Choral Conducting from the University of Michigan and recently completed his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Conducting under Dr. Eugene Rogers. In 2025, he was named a finalist in The American Prize Dale Warland Award in Conducting. He was also selected as a Fellow in the prestigious Choral-Orchestral Conducting Academy with Chorus America in 2023.

Yet, beyond conducting and academia, Benjamin’s heart lies in the choral traditions of his homeland. In 2024, he secured grants to conduct research into the rich choral heritage of Trinidad and Tobago, a project he hopes will bring the music of the islands into the global choral community.

Inclusivity. Excellence. Inspiration. 

At the core of Benjamin’s work is a deep commitment to inclusivity, excellence, and the transformative power of music. His goal is always the same: to create a space where every singer can feel empowered, achieve their fullest potential, and be part of something greater than themselves.

When he’s not making music, Benjamin enjoys spending time with his family—his wife Kerry and their five children. He loves cooking traditional Trinidadian dishes, traveling, playing games, and savoring the simple joys of life with his loved ones.

Benjamin would love to hear from you! Please contact him with any booking requests, questions, or comments.