Get to know Grieg Ashurst

Greig Ashurst has cultivated an illustrious pedagogical and conducting career spanning over three decades, encompassing various domains such as technology, educational philosophy, and music throughout the United States. He has held the position of music educator at universities and public and private institutions in Louisiana, North Carolina, and Texas. He was born in Lafayette, Louisiana. At present, Mr. Ashurst holds the positions of Director of Bands and Director of Technology at Cathedral-Carmel School. He was honored twice previously, in 2009 and 2003, respectively, at North Vermilion High School in Maurice, LA, and CW Stanford Middle School in Hillsborough, NC, both for which he was named “Teacher of the Year.” Furthermore, he holds the position of Youth Music and Instrumental Director at Asbury United Methodist Church, located in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Greig Ashurst made his professional debut as a percussionist. Following his graduation from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette with a Bachelor of Music Education, Mr. Ashurst established and maintained a prosperous teaching career in both Louisiana and North Carolina.  He relocated to Dallas, Texas in 2003 to attend Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts for instrumental conducting.  Following his graduation from SMU with a Master of Music, he returned to Louisiana.  He frequently appears with other local ensembles, including the Acadian Winds, the Chorale Acadienne, and the Acadian Symphony.

Mr. Ashurst has amassed a distinguished professional background in the field of Music, where he has instructed, directed, and delivered clinics, seminars, and keynote addresses across the United States.  Recently, he presented clinics at the annual conferences of the Connecticut Music Educators Association and the Michigan Music Conference. This year, some of Mr. Ashurst’s notable conducting engagements include conducting the Indiana All-State Handbell Ensemble and the International Handbell Symposium in Hamamatsu, Japan.

As a music education and technology consultant for Schulmermich Bells, LLC, he was instrumental in the development of numerous products.  He was a member of the design and implementation group for the electronic handbell-like instrument MelodyWave.  He designed and introduced the Greig Ashurst Artists Series and the Greig Ashurst Legato Series, two new lines of professional performance mallets that have revolutionized the timbral landscape of contemporary handbell performance and music. 

In addition to numerous articles in local and national music journals, GIA Publications, Hope Publishing, and From the Top Publishing have all published his music.

Greig Ashurst holds multiple positions within a multitude of organizations, including that of board member for the Southwest Louisiana Band Directors’ Association and president of the Handbell Musicians of America.

Mr. Ashurst is married to Lafayette, Louisiana-based Lauren Montgomery Ashurst.  Luc (17), Sam (15), and Katherine (18) are their offspring.