Matthew Roughley
About
Matthew Roughley is a choral conductor, vocal arranger and youth music specialist.
Based in the North West of England, Matthew has established a reputation as one of the region’s most trusted choral conductors, contemporary vocal arrangers and youth music educators. His work is defined by a commitment to musical excellence, a collaborative spirit and a dedication to developing the next generation of choral singers.
Matthew’s musical foundations were formed in Greater Manchester, where his own journey began in school and local youth choirs. Experiencing firsthand the impact of ensemble singing shaped his core ethos: that high-level music-making should be accessible, nourishing and inspiring. Raised with an eclectic appreciation for everything from classical music to pop and jazz, Matthew brings a versatile, modern sensibility to his work, blending rigorous technique with contemporary vocal styles.
"Choral music should be a shared, transformative experience"
.jpg)
Working at the highest level of youth music education, Matthew is a trusted leader for several of the UK’s premier arts organisations. He is the Director of the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir and conducts nationally with the National Youth Choir (9-15). His long-standing relationship with The Hallé includes his role as an Associate Artist as well as Director of the Hallé Youth Training Choir. Through these roles, alongside his position at the Pendleton School of Theatre, Matthew creates clear, supportive pathways for young singers, preparing them for the wider industry while championing choral excellence across the North West.
Believing that excellent music-making should be open to everyone, Matthew translates this ethos into the community through his own initiatives. In 2021, he founded Sale Youth Choirs, a thriving family of non-auditioned choirs for young people in the local region. By creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where young people can find their voices, the organisation is demonstrative of his long-held belief in the importance of creating accessible, aspirational pathways for young musicians.
Alongside his work with established institutions, Matthew is dedicated to creating new spaces for vocal music. Recognising the need for a fresh, contemporary approach to vocal music in the region, he founded Manchester Vocal Ensemble. As its Artistic Director, he leads this collective of North West based singers exploring original a cappella arrangements and bringing ensemble music to brand new audiences.
Whether conducting at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, appearing at the BBC Proms, or training the choral leaders of tomorrow as a tutor for Sing for Pleasure, Matthew operates with a signature blend of warmth, precision, and engaging energy. He remains a passionate advocate for the North West’s choral community, ensuring that every project he leads is both artistically exceptional and deeply rewarding for the musicians involved.
