Gareth Churcher (born 1983, Falmouth) is an internationally respected conductor, composer and music educator with a flourishing career spanning brass, choral and contemporary music. He is widely recognised for his creative leadership, commitment to community music and innovative compositional work.
Gareth began his musical journey at the age of five, learning both trombone and piano, and quickly developed a strong performance and ensemble background. As principal trombone of St Keverne Band, he enjoyed significant competitive success, including three National Finals victories and two BBC Youth Band of the Year titles during his youth band years.
A passionate composer from early in his career, Gareth completed a Licentiate Diploma with Trinity College London before winning a Master of Fine Art (MFA) in composition from Falmouth University. His works are performed locally, nationally and internationally, and his brass and choral pieces are regularly chosen as test pieces and featured in contests and concerts worldwide.
In 2025 Gareth was awarded a PhD in Music Composition, undertaking practice-led research into site-specific musical composition for brass and voice. This innovative project explored how music interacts with unique performance spaces and community contexts – reflecting his deep interest in creative, place-based artistic practice.
Gareth has a strong commitment to music education. After teaching for the council-run Music Cornwall service, he responded to its closure by founding the Cornwall Music Service Trust (CMST), now one of the UK’s leading music education charities. As Founding Head of Service, Gareth leads a dedicated team delivering over 1,000 hours of music tuition each week, supports inclusive music therapy and early years music provision, and provides pathways for young musicians throughout Cornwall.
His contributions to Cornwall’s cultural life have been widely recognised. Gareth has been anointed as a Cornish Bard with the title “True Ambassador for Music” and has received the Trelawny Plate for outstanding services to Cornwall.
In the choral world, Gareth has served as Artistic Director of the Cornwall International Male Choral Festival (CIMCF), one of the largest event of its kind in the world, bringing international choirs together and showcasing Cornish music on a global stage.
