Kenneth Downie was born in Glasgow in 1946 and educated at Greenock High School, the Royal Manchester College of Music, and Durham University. He became a music teacher, finally leaving his position as head of music at Poole Grammar School to enter the jewellery business in 1976.

His published compositions, now numbering over 70, many of which have been recorded and broadcast on national radio, span a period of over 30 years and are mainly for brass band or choir. Recent commissions include music for the Hampshire County Youth Band, City of Winchester Brass, the Swiss and Norwegian National Brass Band Championships, and the European Brass Band Championships in 2004.

In April 1998 he was appointed to the post of Composer in Residence to the Yorkshire Building Society Band, and thus began a fruitful relationship involving concerts, broadcasts, and recordings.

Kenneth lives in Winchester with his wife Patricia, who is also a musician, teaching piano and singing, and they are both active lay-Salvationists with special responsibilities for music.

In November 1999 his contribution to Salvation Army Music was recognized by the New York Staff Band when he was invited to be the guest at their annual Profile Night.

In July 2001 Kenneth was appointed Creative Consultant to the Salvation Army’s Music Ministries department in the United Kingdom, writing for Salvation Army publications and mentoring developing composers.