Greig Ashurst

For more than thirty years, Greig Ashurst has developed an impressive conducting and teaching career in many facets of music, technology, and educational philosophy across the United States. A native of Lafayette, LA, he has served as a music educator in public and private schools and universities in Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas. Currently, Mr. Ashurst is Director of Bands and Director of Technology at Cathedral-Carmel School, where he was selected as the 2016-2017 “Teacher of the Year,"  an honor for which he was selected twice previously at North Vermilion High School in Maurice, LA in 2009 and CW Stanford Middle School in Hillsborough, NC in 2003. Additionally, he serves as Youth Music and instrumental Director and staff arranger at Asbury United Methodist Church of Lafayette, LA.

In addition to his current posts, since his return to Lafayette, LA, in 2005, Greig Ashurst has held positions as the conductor of the Acadiana Symphony Conservatory Orchestra from 2007–2011, including a guest conducting appearance with the Acadiana Symphony Orchestra in 2009. Additionally, he worked as Director of Music at Grace Presbyterian Church from 2006–2013 and taught both instrumental and choral music at North Vermilion High School from 2005–2012.

Greig Ashurst began his career as a percussionist. After completing his Bachelor of Music Education at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, Mr. Ashurst enjoyed a successful teaching career in Louisiana and North Carolina.  In 2003, he moved to Dallas, TX to study instrumental conducting at the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.  After earning a Master of Music degree at SMU, he returned to Louisiana.  He performs regularly with the Acadiana Symphony, the Chorale Acadienne, The Acadian Winds, and other local ensembles. 

As a clinician, Mr. Ashurst has had an illustrious career teaching, conducting, and presenting clinics, workshops, and keynote addresses throughout the United States.  Recent and upcoming engagements include teaching clinics and conducting choral and instrumental ensembles throughout the US.  

As a music education and technology consultant with Schulmerich Bells, Inc., Greig Ashurst had an integral part in many new technologies and musical instruments.  He was on the design and implementation team for the MelodyWave instrument, an electronic instrument played similar to handbells.  He developed two new lines of professional performance mallets called the Greig Ashurst Artists Series and the Greig Ashurst Legato Series, which have been widely popular and has transformed the timbral landscape of modern handbell music and handbell performance.  

In addition to numerous articles published in state and national music journals, he has music published by Hope Publishing, From the Top Publishing, and GIA Publications. 

Greig Ashurst serves in various capacities for numerous organizations, including president-elect of the Handbell Musicians of America and public relations manager and webmaster for the Southwest Louisiana Band Directors’ Association.

Mr. Ashurst is married to Lauren Montgomery Ashurst of Lafayette, LA.  They have three children; Katherine (17), Luc (16), and Sam (15).