Benjamin Gaughran

For over two decades, British-Caribbean conductor Benjamin Gaughran (pronounced ‘gok-ran’) has worked as a pianist, singer, music educator and conductor, with his conducting engagements spanning children, youth, community, church, semi-professional, professional, musical theatre ensembles, and orchestras.

Currently, Benjamin conducts The Orpheus Singers at The University of Michigan (U-M) and is looking forward to being the conductor of The Arts Chorale and assistant conductor of The Women’s Glee Club at U-M for the 2023-24 season. In the community, Benjamin is music director of the Women’s Chamber Chorus, Ann Arbor and is the Director of Music at The First Congregational Church, Ann Arbor.

Previously, Benjamin was the conductor of U-M’s prison outreach choir, Out of the Blue and the Opera Chorus Master. He has also been conductor of the Michigan Youth Chamber Singers and assistant conductor of The University Choir at U-M. He is often invited to guest conduct at choral programs in the US and, as a certified teacher, has regularly served as a clinician at local Michigan schools. Benjamin is a Fellow of the Royal Schools of Music in Choral Conducting- a prestigious position held by a select number of people worldwide.

Benjamin earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Royal Holloway, University of London, England. After completing a masters in leadership, Benjamin received his masters degree in choral conducting at U-M with Dr. Eugene Rogers and is continuing with his doctor of musical arts degree in choral conducting.

Alongside his musical passions, Benjamin considers his role as a husband and father his top priority. He loves to travel and enjoys learning how to make traditional foods from his ancestral Caribbean home of Trinidad and Tobago.