As one of the world's leading classical guitarists, he was the first-prize winner in the 1993 Guitar Foundation of America, the 1994 American String Teachers Association, and the 1993 Artists International Competition. Most notably, Mr. Gallagher also earned the distinct honor of being the only American classical guitarist ever to win first prize in the prestigious Francisco Tárrega Guitar Competition in Spain (1997).
Following his studies at Julliard, Mr. Gallagher gave many classical guitar performances and masterclasses throughout the world, including those in Spain, Germany, Sweden, Greece, Turkey, Brazil, and England. He has recorded four classical guitar CDs. His recording for Naxos Laureate Series - Music from the Reniassance and Baroque was hailed as "...one of the very best NAXOS guitar recordings" by Classical Guitar Magazine (London) in 2000.
In the summer of 2001, Kevin decided to expand the scope of his concert programs to also include works for electric guitar. Since then, he has performed concerts using the classical guitar for more traditional repertoire and the electric guitar for contemporary music. Kevin is active in encouraging composers to write new music for his Rock Quartet, Electric Kompany (electric guitar, electric bass, drums and keyboards). This unique approach to composition is widening the audience and interest for new music as well as educating composers who never have the chance to study these modern instruments in a traditional conservatory education.